About Us

Lab Directors:

Dr. Guarcello and Dr. Thomas worked together at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for over four years dealing with the pharmacogenetics of 5-Fluorouracil through enzymatic assays, genetic mutation detection, and gene expression analysis. Through research and clinical study, they developed a multi-faceted program that brings their expertise to the bed side with individualized treatment. With the funding to develop a state of-the-art laboratory, ITT Labs is poised to become one of the leaders in translational medicine.

Vincenzo Guarcello, MD, PhD: Former Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at UAB, Received his PhD at the University of La Sapienza Rome and an MD at the University of Catania Medical School. Dr. Guarcello's research has been focused on enzyme kinetics and genetic mutations associated with the metabolism of 5-fluorouracil.

Holly Thomas, PhD: Holly received a PhD at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in December 2007 under the direction of Dr. Robert Diasio, current Director of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. Her dissertation focused on the genetic and epigenetic regulation of the enzymes of the catabolic pathway of 5-fluorouracil, focusing on mutation detection, gene expression analysis, and enzymatic assays.

Michael Belenky, PhD: Michael received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Temple University in Philadelphia and graduate degrees, MS and PhD from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has worked in various fields of biomedical sciences including structural biology, protein chemistry, mass spectrometry and natural products. His most recent focus was on the mechanisms of cancer sensitization in development of experimental therapeutics.