Bio
We are a group of physicians and scientists in the Molecular Pharmacology Program at the Sloan-Kettering Institute and Department of Pediatrics at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. We carry out research in cancer biology and pediatric oncology , and our current work is focused on the phenomenon of cellular plasticity, as it relates both to the fundamental mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis and emerging rational therapies.
In particular, we are studying the biology of refractory leukemias and embryonal tumors, and we are interested in understanding the principles of dysorganization of their genomes and proteomes, and determining the molecular mechanisms of response and adaptation of tumor cells to targeted therapies.
To answer these questions, we are developing functional genomics and mass spectrometry proteomics approaches to decipher the mechanisms of genomic plasticity and adaptive signaling. Using protein engineering techniques, we rationally design and develop precisely targeted cancer therapeutic agents.
We leverage proteomics to develop improved biologic therapies, computational modeling to define oncogenic mechanisms, and innovative mouse models to determine biological functions and guide clinical trials of improved treatments, particularly for children with refractory cancers.