Research
The lab investigates metastatic stem cells and their stromal niches. The role of immune regulatory and regenerative signals, particularly TGF-β, is of interest. General as well as organ-specific mediators of metastasis are under investigation. We are defining the phenotypic plasticity and evolution of metastatic cell populations from dormancy to outbreak, identifying drug targets, and enabling clinical trials to treat metastasis.
Figure 1 Metastasis
Figure 2 Organoid
Figure 3
Current Projects:
- Developmental origin and immune evasion of metastatic stem cells
- TGF-β regulation of tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, and cancer
Bio
Joan Massagué, PhD, is Chief Scientific Officer and Director of the Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI) in MSK. He received his doctorate in Biochemistry from the University of Barcelona in 1978. After postdoctoral training at Brown University, he joined the faculty at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1982. In 1989 he was appointed as Member and Chair, Cell Biology Program at SKI. He holds the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Foundation Chair. He was HHMI Investigator (1990-2013) and is a HHMI Scientific Advisor (2014-present). He is a leader in the fields of TGF-β signaling, growth control, and cancer metastasis.
Distinctions:
- HHMI Investigator
- Member, National Academy of Sciences
- Member, National Academy of Medicine
- Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Member, European Molecular Biology Organization
- AACR Pezcoller Foundation International Award
- Prince of Asturias Prize
- Vilcek Prize
- BBVA Frontiers of Science Prize