Background

​The genital mucosa provides a major immune barrier (physical, biological, and chemical) to microbial insult and the Herbst-Kralovetz lab is interested in studying the mucosal barrier function of the lower female reproductive tract and its role in host defense against infection and inflammation as well as maintaining mucosal homeostasis. 

Vaginal microbiota play a key role in maintaining homeostasis, as such, understanding this complex interplay in the female reproductive tract is critically important.  Areas of study in the Herbst-Kralovetz lab include host-microbe interactions, immunobiology and the impact of innate immune mediators, including antimicrobial peptides throughout the female reproductive tract, which is widely relevant to infection, immunity, reproduction and cancer. Funded studies include projects investigating cervical and endometrial cancer.

Dr. Herbst-Kralovetz’s lab employs an innovative rotating wall vessel bioreactor designed by NASA to produce robust, 3-D differentiated and reproducible human mucosal epithelial models for elucidating host-microbe interactions and studying potential interventions (vaccines and microbicides).

In addition, we are applying multi-omics approaches (e.g. immunoproteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome profiling) to integrate our clinical and laboratory-based model findings.

​Basic and Translational Research Interests in Women's Health

​To learn more about our basic and translational  studies  visit the Women's Health Research Program (WHRP) website.

Leveraging 3-D human models of the female reproductive tract to understand host defense mechanisms to genital microbiota and STI pathogens

Understanding the role of microbiota in gynecologic cancer, health disparities, cancer therapy and quality of life
Picture
Chase D, Goulder A, Zenhausern F, Monk B, Herbst-Kralovetz M, Gyn Onc, 2015.

Investigating the complex interplay between the gut and vaginal microbiome in a variety of disease states related to women's health

Revealing drug-microbiota interactions that impact therapeutic efficacy
Picture
Baker JM, Chase DM, Herbst-Kralovetz MM, Maturitas, 2018.
Picture
Wilkinson EM, Ilhan ZE, Herbst-Kralovetz MM, Maturitas, 2018.

Recent Findings

Community Outreach

Community Education
  • K-12 MedStart Program (Hands On Lab demonstrations and lectures)
  • Career Opportunities in Biomedical Sciences (K-12)
  • UA Mini Med School
  • Friends of the Cancer Center
​UA Basic Medical Sciences High School Summer Internship Program
  • The Herbst-Kralovetz lab hosts at least 1 student/year
​Working to develop projects on the following in low socioeconomic and particular racial/ethnic groups in AZ that suffer from cancer health disparities
  • Promoting HPV vaccination awareness
  • Promoting cervical cancer screening

Funding

The Herbst-Kralovetz lab would like to recognize funding from the NIH NIAID, Alternatives Research & Development Foundation, Flinn Foundation, The Mary Kay Foundation,and the EU European Social Fund and Knowledge Education Development program.

Affiliations

The Herbst-Kralovetz Lab is in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine - Phoenix. Dr. Herbst-Kralovetz is cross-appointed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a member of the Bio5 Institute, UA Cancer Center, and the Clinical Translational Sciences Graduate Program. Furthermore, Dr. Herbst-Kralovetz is actively engaged in the UA Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) program through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Residency Programs

UA COMP Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program
​
Maricopa Integrated Health Systems Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program

Graduate Research

UA Clinical Translational Science Graduate Program
The Clinical Translational Sciences (CTS) program at the University of Arizona focuses on training students in both master's and doctoral degrees in translational science.
ASU Molecular & Cellular Biology Graduate Program
The Molecular & Cellular Biology (MCB) graduate program at ASU is a multidisciplinary doctoral degree for students seeking advanced Molecular and Cellular Biology training.

Undergraduate Research

ASU School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Program
The School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research (SOLUR) program enables undergraduate students at Arizona State University to participate in current biological research.

International Exchange Programs

University of Bath Placement Program
The program enables University of Bath undergraduate students to participate in a year-long professional placement to participate in biological research prior to the start of the final year of studies.
University of Warsaw Program of Professional Internships 
The Program for Professional Internships for Students of Final Years at the Faculty of Biology at the University of Warsaw, in partnership with the European Union Social Fund and Knowledge Education Development program enables Master's students at the University of Warsaw to complete an internship during their final year of studies to gain additional training and research experience.