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This research program explores how components of the diet modify cellular pathways that lead to cancer and how other factors, such as genetic background and alcohol consumption, interact with nutrition to determine cancer risk. We are particularly focused on the B-vitamins and obesity as nutritional factors that determine cancer risk, and our ultimate aim is to develop strategies for cancer prevention. The team focuses on colorectal cancer and breast cancer and utilizes animal studies, cell culture studies, and human studies to accomplish our research goals.


2. To determine how genetic differences interact with dietary antagonists of one-carbon nutrients in determining cancer risk.

3. To define the cellular pathways by which obesity, and related factors, enhance cancer risk and to explore means of attenuating that risk.

Team Members
Joel B. Mason, M.D.
Lead Scientist, Senior Scientist
Research focus: 1) 1-Carbon nutrients: modulation of carcinogenesis 2) Obesity: modulation of carcinogenesis 3) Colonic microbiome and carcinogenesis

Jimmy Crott, Ph.D.
Scientist I
Research focus: Understanding the interaction between diet, the gut microbiome, inflammation and colorectal carcinogenesis

Meredith Davis, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar

Jill Adams
, Research Assistant
Abigail Thompson
, Staff Assistant