Dr. Fee's research primarily revolves around improving medical treatments and understanding biological systems. He studies pediatric cancers, specifically B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), uncovering mechanisms that contribute to treatment resistance. He also investigates genetic information in endangered species, like the Bullnose ray, which can inform conservation efforts. Furthermore, his work in regenerative medicine explores natural structures for developing better materials for bone regeneration, and he evaluates surgical techniques for treating complex bone fractures and nonunions.
Key findings
Dr. Fee's study on synthetic gene expression data improved biological relevance by 11% and increased prediction accuracy for medical models by 9%.
In pediatric B-ALL patients, a subgroup of cancer cells with active pCREB was linked to higher treatment resistance, indicating a potential target for improving therapy outcomes.
The mitochondrial genome of the endangered Bullnose ray was found to be 18,356 base pairs long, highlighting critical genes important for the species' health and resilience.
In a study on distal femoral nonunion treatment, only 25% of patients successfully healed after surgery, revealing the need for improved techniques.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Fee study cancer treatments?
Yes, he focuses on pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia and has researched factors that lead to treatment resistance.
What innovative techniques has Dr. Fee researched?
He has explored new methods for creating synthetic gene expression data to enhance medical research and predictive modeling.
Is Dr. Fee's work relevant to patients needing surgery for bone injuries?
Absolutely, his studies evaluate surgical approaches for distal femoral nonunion and highlight the need for better treatment options.
Does Dr. Fee work on conservation efforts?
Yes, he studies the genetics of endangered species like the Bullnose ray, which can inform strategies for their conservation.
Publications in plain English
The complete mitochondrial genome of the imperiled Bullnose ray Myliobatis freminvillei (Myliobatiformes: Myliobatidae) with comments on its phylogenetic position and claims of diversifying selection affecting protein coding genes in a closely related species.
2025
Gene
Fee K, Zabransky K, Burgess E, Baeza JA
Plain English This study looked at the complete mitochondrial genome of the Bullnose ray, an endangered fish found in the Gulf of Mexico and parts of South America. Researchers discovered that the Bullnose ray's mitochondrial DNA is 18,356 base pairs long and includes 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 13 genes that code for proteins. Importantly, they found that these coding genes are under strong purifying selection, meaning they are being kept stable over time, which is crucial for maintaining the species’ health and resilience.
Who this helps: This information is valuable for conservationists and marine biologists working to protect endangered species like the Bullnose ray.
Towards a Biological Evaluation Framework for Oversampling (BEFO) gene expression data.
2025
Journal of biomedical informatics
Fee K, Jain S, Murphy RG, Jurek-Loughrey A
Plain English This study explored a new method for creating synthetic gene expression data to improve machine learning models used in medical research. Researchers found that their new framework, called BEFO, improved the biological relevance of the synthetic data by 11%, which in turn enhanced the accuracy of predictions by 9% compared to existing methods. This matters because better predictive models can lead to more reliable diagnoses and treatment recommendations in healthcare.
Who this helps: Patients and doctors who rely on accurate medical data for treatment decisions.
Hyperactive CREB subpopulations increase during therapy in pediatric B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
2023
Haematologica
Masic D, Fee K, Bell H, Case M, Witherington G +7 more
Plain English This study looked at pediatric patients with B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to understand why some cancer cells persist during chemotherapy. Researchers found that a specific protein, pCREB, was active in many of the cancer cells both at the start of treatment and during the therapy, indicating that these cells might be better at surviving the treatment. They identified a growing subgroup of cells with this protein that could be linked to treatment resistance, suggesting that targeting this signaling pathway could help improve outcomes for patients at high risk of relapse.
Who this helps: Patients with pediatric B-ALL and healthcare providers looking for better treatment options.
Blueprints for the Next Generation of Bioinspired and Biomimetic Mineralised Composites for Bone Regeneration.
2018
Marine drugs
Walsh PJ, Fee K, Clarke SA, Julius ML, Buchanan FJ
Plain English This paper studied how certain tiny marine organisms called coccolithophores create their complex, protective shells made of calcium carbonate. Researchers found that these organisms create impressive structures that are organized and finely detailed, making them difficult to replicate in labs. Understanding how these natural processes work could lead to creating better materials for bone regeneration in medical treatments.
Who this helps: Patients needing bone repair and doctors involved in regenerative medicine.
Distal femoral nonunion: treatment with a retrograde inserted locked intramedullary nail.
1995
Journal of orthopaedic trauma
Koval KJ, Seligson D, Rosen H, Fee K
Plain English This study looked at how effective a specific type of surgery, using a special nail, is for treating patients with nonunions of the distal femur (the thigh bone). Out of 16 patients treated, only 25% successfully healed after one surgery, and many faced complications, such as nail fractures and the need for additional surgeries. These findings indicate that the current method is not suitable for this type of injury, highlighting the need for better treatment options.
Who this helps: This helps patients with distal femoral nonunion and their doctors by highlighting the limitations of the current treatment method.