Dr. Whitcomb conducts basic and translational research with a focus on pancreatic diseases. The laboratory is divided into three major sections: Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Cancer and Pancreatic Physiology. The major apporaches are genetics, neurophysiology, and the inflammatory process system. Both human subjects and animal models are investigated.

• PANCREATITIS RESEARCH:
  Dr Whitcomb's laboratory group discovered the gene causing hereditary pancreatitis and other causes of pancreatic disease. He is actively involved in studies of mutations in the trypsinogen gene (PRSS1), SPINK1 gene and the CFTR gene. Additional insights are in press or preperation. In addition, he leads several research projects on alcoholic pancreatitis, mechanisms of fibrosis, and early detection of pancreatic disease.
  Dr. Whitcomb is interested in the regulation of pancreas via the gut-brain axis through the endocrine and nervous systems. He studies the physiologic actions of regulatory peptides affecting the pancreas and the effects of alcohol on gene expression and pancreatic function.
  
  
• PANCREATIC CANCER:
  Dr Whitcomb's lab has a major interest in pancreatic cancer. He helped map the first pancreatic cancer gene, investigates gene-gene and gene-environment interactions as risk for pancreatic cancer. He has also developed a pancreas specific cDNA microarray for gene discovery and classification. Dr Whitcomb leads the Pancreatic Cancer Research Group at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.