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Cellular Communication in Cancer

The Cellular Communication in Cancer Program explores the molecular signals within and between cells that drive cancer. Researchers in this Program are developing innovative new models for human tumors and advanced imaging technology with a goal of identifying potential 鈥渄ruggable鈥 targets and mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer. Current research is focused on identifying and targeting the intracellular signal transduction mechanisms in cell communication; cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) communication in the microenvironment; and communication at the whole-body level between tumor and host.

Program Co-leaders

Corina Amor Vegas, M.D., Ph.D.

The Cellular Communication in Cancer Program has three overarching themes: (I) identifying and targeting signaling in cancer using advanced model systems; (II) elucidating and targeting tumor-host interactions, and (III) understanding cancer in the context of the whole-body. Members of the Program include experts with an in-depth understanding of different families of signaling proteins, integrated with investigators who are leaders in the fields of cancer biology and metastasis, and complemented by investigators who innovate technologies for studying molecular and cellular functions. As such, the Program generates basic discoveries that can drive new areas for cancer therapy. Work of the Program members is heavily dependent on the support from the LaboratoryCancer Center Shared Resources, in particular the Animal, Animal & Tissue Imaging, Antibody & Phage Display, Mass Spectrometry, Flow Cytometry, and Sequencing Technologies & Analysis Shared Resources.

Building publication list.
Corina Amor Vegas

Corina Amor Vegas

As we age our body accumulates damaged 鈥渟enescent鈥 cells that our immune system is no longer able to effectively eliminate. Senescent cells are responsible for the development of aging and age-related diseases like cancer or fibrosis. My group studies how senescent cells evade the immune system thereby identifying new therapeutic approaches.

Jeremy C. Borniger

Jeremy C. Borniger

Patients with cancer frequently experience debilitating symptoms that can impair quality of life and reduce odds of survival. These include drastic changes in appetite, sleep/wake cycles, cognitive function, and pain, among others. Our lab aims to uncover mechanistic interactions between the brain and cancer that drive these phenomena. Reciprocally, we investigate how manipulation of specific brain circuits influences cancer processes in the body.

Lucas Cheadle

Lucas Cheadle

The trillions of connections between brain cells enable complex thought and behavior. These connections are wired with great precision through both genetics and in response to an organism鈥檚 experiences. Our lab seeks to understand how experiences engage specialized immune cells called microglia to shape the connectivity and function of the brain. We are further interested in how impairments in these processes can contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

Paolo Cifani

Paolo Cifani

We develop innovative mass spectrometry-based approaches to measure how protein activities are regulated under physiologic conditions and in pathological states.

Hiro Furukawa

Hiro Furukawa

The nervous system transmits information by passing chemical signals from one nerve cell to the others. This signal transmission relies on a variety of proteins to receive and transmit the chemical signals. My group studies the structure and function of neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels that regulate fundamental neuronal activities.

Michael Lukey

Michael Lukey

Tumor growth depends upon cancer cells acquiring nutrients from their environment and using these molecules to fuel proliferation. My group studies the nature and regulation of metabolic adaptation during tumorigenesis and metastasis, with the intention of identifying metabolic vulnerabilities that can be targeted for cancer therapy.

Scott Lyons

Scott Lyons

I provide collaborative research support to Laboratoryresearchers in the area of preclinical in vivo imaging. This includes access to a comprehensive range of imaging modalities, as well as provision of experimental guidance, training and imaging reagents. In addition, my lab develops new and impactful ways to image aspects of in vivo tumor biology that are broadly relevant to the development of new therapeutics and the research interests of the LaboratoryCancer Center.

John Moses

John Moses

My group uses click chemistry to study biological systems at the molecular level. We develop and exploit powerful bond-forming click reactions that enable the rapid synthesis of small functional molecules, including cancer drugs and chemical probes. We apply these novel molecular tools in multidisciplinary discovery projects spanning the fields of biology and chemistry.

Jon Preall

Jon Preall

Developing single-cell genomics technologies for applications related to cancer progression, immune surveillance, and discovery of rare novel cell types and transcriptional programs.

Nicholas Tonks

Nicholas Tonks

Cells must constantly react to what is happening around them, adapting to changes in neighboring cells or the environment. I study the signals that cells use to exchange information with their surroundings. Our group is finding drugs that target these signals and thus can treat diabetes, obesity, cancer, and autism spectrum disorders.

Kevin Tracey

Kevin Tracey

The major focus of my research is the molecular basis of inflammation and identifying the mechanisms by which neurons control the immune system.

Lloyd Trotman

Lloyd Trotman

We pioneered generation of a unique genetic mouse model for therapy and analysis of metastatic prostate cancer. Recently, we developed 3-dimensional whole organ imaging technology that allows us to visualize cancer and metastatic progression in its native environment and at single cell resolution. Now, we use this platform to understand the role of nerves in tumor metastasis, and to develop novel therapeutic interventions against lethal disease.

David Tuveson

David Tuveson

Pancreatic cancer is an extremely lethal malignancy. On average, patients who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer succumb to the disease within 6 months. Research is the only way to defeat pancreatic cancer. My lab is making progress toward finding a cure by detecting the disease earlier and designing novel therapeutic approaches.

Linda Van Aelst

Linda Van Aelst

Normal cell function relies on coordinated communication between all the different parts of the cell. These communication signals control what a cell does, what shape it takes, and how it interacts with other cells. I study these signaling networks to understand how they guard against cancer and neurological disorders.

Erika Tse-Luen Wee

Erika Tse-Luen Wee

Develop and implement state-of-the-art fluorescence imaging and analysis techniques to quantify cell and tissue samples' structure and function.

Johannes Yeh

Johannes Yeh

Cells orchestrate proteins to conduct cell-cell communications and environment sensing in order to execute physiological functions. My lab investigates the mechanisms by which dysregulated signals cause diseases such as cancer, and we are developing therapeutics based on these mechanisms.

Lingbo Zhang

Lingbo Zhang

The research in the Zhang laboratory centers on normal and malignant stem and progenitor cells in the hematopoietic system and decodes the role of metabolites in the tumor microenvironment, including nutrients and neurotransmitters, and their genetic effectors in regulating hematologic malignancies. The ultimate goal is to understand how environmental signals such as dietary and neuronal activities regulate stem and progenitor cell development and cancers.