John Harms, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology; Assistant Chair, Department of Biological Sciences
717-796-1800, ext. 3528
Interest and areas of expertise
Cancer biology, human and comparative physiology, cell biology
Education
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Ph.D., Integrative Biosciences: Molecular Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University
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B.S., Recombinant Gene Technology, State University of New York at Fredonia
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A.S., Jamestown Community College
Classes I teach
BIOL 170 – Cell and Animal Physiology
BIOL 460 – Physiology
BIOL 416 – Cancer and Cell Biology
SCIE 495 – Natural Sciences Capstone
Profile
Dr Harms trained in cancer biology at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in the laboratory of Dr Danny R Welch. His research on two metastasis suppressor genes in melanoma and breast cancer described their capacity to inhibit proliferation in secondary sites such as the lungs, as well as their organ-specific functionality—blocking metastasis to the lungs, but not other sites such as bone. Beginning with his postdoctoral training and stretching for over 20 years, Dr Harms has focused on the role of two gastrointestinal hormones in pancreatic cancer aggressiveness—work he continues with an active team of undergraduate research students at Messiah [see Research for more].
Dr Harms’ fascination with the intricacies of physiological systems and cellular biology, and his deep joy for sharing and unraveling these complexities brought him to Messiah University in 2006. His primary teaching responsibilities center on human physiology, comparative animal physiology, cancer and cell biology, and the integration of Christian faith and science.
Online profile links
Research
I have long been intrigued by the genetics controlling metastasis (the spread of cancer to distant sites) and the complex cellular interactions within the microenvironment of the tumor. My lab seeks to elucidate the role of two hormones—gastrin and cholecystokinin—and their receptors in the development, growth, and therapeutic resistance of pancreatic cancer.