Bradley Creamer, MS, PhD
Associate Professor – Joplin

Research Interest:

Dr. Creamer is a research scientist with experience in in-vivo and in-vitro modeling of the molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and gene expression in both normal and disease states, particularly in the mammary gland. He has an interest in investigating the role of various signaling networks and their effects on the transformation, proliferation, survival, and the development of drug resistance in models of human breast cancer.

Dr. Creamer’s current research focus is on determining the role of the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) in human breast cancer chemotherapeutic resistance and tumor progression. PXR is a member of the ligand-activated nuclear receptor superfamily. This receptor is promiscuous in its activation profile and is responsive to a broad array of both endobiotic and xenobiotic ligands, including some chemotherapeutic agents. PXR is involved in pivotal cellular detoxification processes to include the regulation of genes that encode key drug-metabolizing cytochrome-P450 enzymes, oxidative stress response, as well as enzymes that drive steroid and bile acid metabolism. While PXR clearly has important regulatory roles in the liver and gastrointestinal tract, this nuclear receptor also has biological functions in breast tissue.

Elevated levels of PXR expression in cancerous breast tissue suggests a likely interface between aberrant cell division and xeno-protection in cancer cells. Moreover, PXR itself exerts positive effect on the cell cycle, thereby predisposing tumor cells to unchecked proliferation. Activation of PXR also plays a key role in regulating apoptosis, as well as in acquired resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. This research involves the use of advanced genetic and genomic methods including molecular cloning, in-vitro modeling, quantitative PCR, Illumina-based Next Generation Sequencing, proteomics, and others.

Additional research interests include the role of stress and anxiety on health and health outcomes in various populations, identifying potential biomarkers of stress and anxiety, and medical education research.

Learn more about Dr. Creamer by clicking here. 

Select Recent Publications:

Dennis, J.F., B. A. Creamer. (2023) Destination Integration: Linking Physiology and Histology Content in Foundational Sciences. Frontiers in Physiology, v14, September 2023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1236562

Talley, C., M. Zolnierz, B. A. Creamer, R. Hillard. (2023) Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to the Lungs and Virchow Node or Metachronous/Synchronous Tumors?: A Case Report. Translational Research in Anatomy, 2023, 100254, ISSN 2214-854X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tria.2023.100254

Kendell, A., K. Lester, K. Limback, R. Rogers, B.A. Creamer, and J.F. Dennis. (2023) Student Perceptions of Remote versus On-Campus Gross Anatomy Laboratories during Covid-19. Anatomical Sciences Education Journal https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.2320

Dennis, J.F. and B.A. Creamer (2022): To touch or not to touch: evaluating student outcomes of hands-on vs visual examination of prosected cadavers. Educ. Sci. 2022, 12(8), 519. doi: 10.3390/edusci12080519

Parimi, K., K. Gilkeson, B.A. Creamer (2022). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: considerations for reluctance and improving vaccine uptake. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Epub 2022 Apr 18 PMID: 35436173 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2062972

Freed, B., C. Coker, R. Steele, C. Marolt, M. Motzko, B.A. Creamer, J.F. Dennis (2022). Communicating branches of the facial nerve: descriptions and clinical considerations. Aesthet Surg J. 2022 Feb 11:sjac029. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjac029. PMID: 35148367 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35148367/

Abraham, C., S.N.B. Sloan, C. Coker, B. Freed, M. McAuliffe, H. Nielsen, T. Riscoe, R. Steele, A. Dettwiler, G. Oberley, K. Zaremski, K. Joy, A. Selby, R. Wells-Lewis, B.A. Creamer (2021). Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) as an Intervention to Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Depression in First Responders: A Pilot Study. Missouri Medicine Journal 2021 Sep-Oct;118(5):435–41. PMCID: PMC8504517 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8504517/

Luchini, K., S.N.B. Sloan, R. Mauro, A. Sargsyan, A. Newman, P. Persaud, D. Hawkins, D. Wolff, J.L. Staudinger, B.A. Creamer (2021): Sterilization and Sanitizing of 3D-Printed Personal Protective Equipment Using Polypropylene and a Single Wall Design. 3D Printing in Medicine 2021 Jun 11;7(1):16. doi: 10.1186/s41205-021-00106-8, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc8193021/

Creamer, B.A., S.N.B. Sloan, J.F. Dennis, R. Rogers, S. Spencer, A. McCuen, P. Persaud, J.L. Staudinger (2020): Associations between Pregnane X Receptor and Breast Cancer Growth and Progression. Cells, 9(10), 2295; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9102295

Additional Links:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bradley-Creamer

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=1iBFql4AAAAJ&hl=en