Project 1. Robust-to-fragile transitions of a phase-separated mitotic organelle in triple-negative breast cancer
This project examines phase separation-mediated organellogenesis of the chromosome passenger complex during metaphase in a breast cancer subtype that is prone to aneuploidy.
Project 2. A systems-metabolism approach to identify mitochondria-dependent vulnerabilities in colorectal cancer
This project investigates the metabolic-network consequences of mitochondrial fragmentation in RAS-mediated colorectal cancer and the associated microbiome.
Project 3. EGFR signaling network adaptations to overcome RAS-induced membrane stress in glioblastoma
This project evaluates the role of mutant EGFRvIII in alleviating cell death by methuosis (excessive macropinocytosis) in glioblastomas with hyperactivation of RAS.
Year 4 Supplement: Molecular mechanisms underlying a racial disparity in Breast Cancer
We have initiated collaborations with Jie Shen (UVA Public Health), an expert in environmental factors underlying BRCA, and Aakrosh Ratan (UVA, Center of Public Health Genomics), an expert in the identification of germline variants that drive cancers. Finally, we will bring in Brett Jones, a senior research associate in Todd Stukenberg’s lab (UVA BMG) for bioinformatic and machine learning expertise.
Cross-Consortium Research Project – Yr4 – “Oncogene and microenvironmental drivers of cancer cell aneuploidy”
Matt Lazzara, PhD, UVa Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, Kevin Janes, PhD, UVa Biomedical Engineering, Dennis Discher, PhD, University of Pennsylvania Chemical & Biological Engineering
Cross-Consortium Research Project – Yr3 – “Transition zones in solid tumors and precancers”
Allison May, MD, UVa Health Department of Urology, Kevin Janes, PhD, UVa Biomedical Engineering, Andrew Gentles, PhD, Stanford University Departments of Pathology, Medicine and Biomedical Data Science
Cross-Consortium Research Project – Yr2 – “Golgi stress and aberrant glycosylation in hypoxic conditions: regulation and immune interactions”
Sepideh Dolatshahi, PhD. Uva Department of Biomedical Engineering https://www.dolatshahilab.com/
with Kathryn Miller-Jensen, PhD. Yale Biomedical Engineering https://www.miller-jensen.org/
