Dr. Dean is interested in inherited (germline) genetic variation, somatic mutations in tumors, and the combined effect of both on cancer risk, progression, and response to therapy. Dr. Dean participated in cloning genes (PTCH, VHL) involved in inherited cancers; characterized common variants associated with cancer; and sequenced the genomes of tumors to identify genes commonly altered. In the LTG, Dr. Dean is continuing his work on unlocking the mechanisms through which genetic alterations affect cancer risk. By evaluating the genetic factors of tumor as well as host, Dr. Dean is focused on the study of human papillomaviruses (HPV) and cervical cancer. He also continues his investigations into the genetic components of cancer health disparities in the U.S. and in Latin America.