Research Summary
As a comparative pathologist my research interests are primarily focused on animal models of human diseases. I have interest in cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and toxicology.
Cancer research of my laboratory is currently focused on prostate cancer, breast cancer and neoplasia of gastrointestinal tract. I collaborate with multiple investigators and evaluate the pathogenesis of cancer in different strains of transgenic mice.
Cardiovascular research is focused on animal modes of atherosclerosis and correlating noninvasive imaging techniques with pathological lesions. I also work on the different cardiac devices and evaluate their in vivo viability. Diabetes research is focused on the pathological evaluation of different surgical procedures to reduce obesity in rats. In toxicology, I work on the role of antioxidants in prevention of cancer in animal models.
Service Activities
As Chief of Comparative pathology I run a full service veterinary pathology laboratory which serves the biomedical community of Columbia University and New York Psychiatric Institute. I am also the director of a postdoctoral training program which trains veterinarians for board certification in veterinary pathology .
Institute of Comparative Medicine
Selected Publications
1. MM Sebastian, I Stewart, NM. Williams et al.
(2008) Pathological, entomological, avian and meteorological investigation of a West Nile virus epidemic in a horse farm. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 55; 134�139.
2. MM Sebastian, W Bernard, T Fitzgerald
(2006) Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian, Spring, 2006 (Mini Review)
3. MM Sebastian, RC. Giles, JF Roberts et al.
(2005). Funisitis associated with leptospiral abortion in an equine placenta Veterinary Pathology 42: 659-662.
4. MM Sebastian, M Gantz, T Tobin et al.
(2003). The Mare reproductive loss syndrome and the eastern tent caterpillar: a toxicokinetic/statistical analysis with clinical, epidemiological and mechanistic implications. Veterinary Therapeutics, 4(4), 324-339.
Selected Book Chapters1. MM Sebastian, SE. Czerwinski, SI. Baskin, Renal Toxicity. Chapter 13 pp161-176, Veterinary Toxicology: Basic & Clinical Principles, Academic Press, San Diego, USA, February,
2007 2. MM Sebastian: Role of Pathology in Diagnosis, Chapter 91: pp 1100-1138, Veterinary Toxicology: Basic & Clinical Principles, Academic Press, San Diego, USA, February,
2007
Honors and Awards
2005 Young Investigator Award, American College of Veterinary Pathologists
Committees , Council, and Professional Society Memberships
American Association for Advancement of Science
American Veterinary Medical Association
American Society for Investigative Pathology
American College of Veterinary Pathology
Society of Toxicological Pathology
