Medical Research

CURRICULUM VITAE

Dr. Rajeev A. Singhai, M.Sc. [Cell Biology],

PGDML [Pathology], Ph.D. [Biochemistry]

Research Fellow, Department of Biochemistry and Cell & Molecular Pathology, Grant Medical College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, India

MAILING ADDRESS

Department of Biochemistry and Cell & Molecular Pathology, Grant Medical College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, India

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cell No: +919********* (India)

E-mail: **.*******@*****.*** Skype Id: dr.rajeevsinghai

GENERAL INFORMATION

Father’s Name: Dr. Anand Singhai

Sex: Male

Nationality: Indian

Caste: Jain / Hindu

Marital Status: Married

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

English: (Fluent, Fluent, Fluent); Reading, Writing, Speaking

Hindi: (Fluent, Fluent, Fluent), Reading, Writing, Speaking

Marathi: (Fluent, Fluent, Fluent); Reading, Speaking

Gujarati: (Basic, Basic, Basic); Reading, Speaking

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

Ph.D. (BIOCHEMISTRY) Full Time In 2011 from Mumbai University, Department of Biochemistry and Cell & Molecular Pathology, Grant Medical College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, India.

M.Sc. (CELL BIOLOGY) In 1996-97 from Devi Ahilya University, Indore, (M.P.), India

PGDML (PATHOLOGY) In 2001 Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Techniques (Pathology), From St. John’s Paramedical College & Diagnostic Centre, Mumbai, India.

B.Sc. (CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY) In 1995 from Devi Ahilya University, Indore, (M.P.) India

Ph.D. PROJECT TITLE: “Immunohistochemical (IHC) Evaluation of Predictive Hormonal Receptors of Breast Cancer in Indian Women”.

Participation in Workshop and Conference: Participated workshop and conference of Cytopathology Techniques on 28 October 2002 in Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai, India.

Publication in International Journals; Peer-Reviewed Original Research Articles

1. Rajeev Singhai, VW Patil, AV Patil. Immunohistochemical (IHC) HER-2/neu and Fluorescent- In–Situ Hybridization (FISH) Gene Amplification of Breast Cancer in Indian Women, Asian Pacific J Cancer Prev, 12, 179-183, Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, Vol 12, 2011, Download : 179-183 c 12.17 Rajeev Singhai .pdf

Availability Link Download: http://www.apocpcontrol.org/page/apjcp_issues.php.

2. Rajeev Singhai, Amit V Patil, Vinayak W Patil. Cancer biomarker HER-2/neu in breast cancer in Indian women, Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy 2011:3 21–26, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BCTT.S17108 , ISSN 1179-1314,

Availability Link Download: http://www.dovepress.com/articles.php?article_id=6877.

3. Rajeev Singhai, Vinayak W Patil, Sanjog R Jaiswal, Shital D Patil, Mukund B Tayade, Amit V Patil. E-Cadherin as a diagnostic biomarker in breast cancer, North Am J Med Sci 2011; 3: 222-226, (North American Journal of Medical Sciences 2011 May, Volume 3, No. 5)

DOI: 10.4297/najms.2011.3222, ISSN: 1947 – 2714,

Availability Link Download: http://najms.org/najms-2011-no-5.html.

4. Rajeev Singhai, VW Patil, AV Patil. Status of HER-2/neu receptors and Ki-67 in breast cancer of Indian women, International Journal of Applied and Basic Medical Research, Jan-June 2011, 15-19, Vol 1, Issue 1, DOI: 10.4103/2229-516X.81974, ISSN 2229-516X, Availability Link Download: http://www.ijabmr.org/text.asp?2011/1/1/15/81974.

5. Patil VW, Rajeev Singhai, Patil AV. HER-2/neu in Breast Cancer of Indian Women, IJABMR_65_10, International Journal of Applied and Basic Medical Research, Jan-June 2012, DOI: IJABMR_65_10, ISSN 2229-516X,

Availability Link Download: (Accepted on: 20-04-2011 But Presently on Printing Mode)

6. Amit V. Patil, Rajeev Singhai, Rahul S. Bhamre, Vinayak W. Patil. Ki-67 biomarker in breast cancer of Indian women, North Am J Med Sci 2011; 3: 119-128, (North American Journal of Medical Sciences 2011 March, Volume 3, No. 3), DOI: 10.4297/najms.2011.3119,

ISSN: 1947 – 2714, Availability Link Download: http://najms.org/NAJMS2011-3-3.html.

7. Vinayak W Patil, Rajeev Singhai, Amit V Patil, Prakash D Gurav. Triple-negative (ER, PgR, HER-2/neu) breast cancer in Indian women, Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy 2011:3, 9–19, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BCTT.S17094, ISSN 1179-1314,

Availability Link Download: http://www.dovepress.com/articles.php?article_id=6731.

8. Patil V. W., Rajeev S. and Patil A. V. Molecular and biochemical novel cancer biomarker for early detection of breast cancer, African Journal of Biochemistry Research 2011: Vol. 5(3), pp. 72-81, ISSN 1996-0778, Availability Link Download:

http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBR/contents/2011%20cont/March.htm

9. Amit V Patil, Rahul S Bhamre, Rajeev Singhai, Mukund B Tayade, Vinayak W Patil. Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) in breast cancer of Indian women, Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy 2011:3, 27–33,

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BCTT.S17892, ISSN 1179-1314,

Availability Link Download: http://www.dovepress.com/articles.php?article_id=7149

10. V W Patil, Rajeev Singhai, A V Patil , Evaluation of Tamoxifen Therapy in Pre-Menopausal and Post-Menopausal Patients of Breast Cancer: a Comparative Study, Journal of Research in Medical Education & Ethics 2011, Volume : 1, Issue : 1, Print ISSN : 2231-671X. Online ISSN: 2231-6728, Availability Link Download:

http://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:jrmee&volume=1&issue=1&type=toc

11. Vinayak W Patil, Mukund B Tayade, Sangeeta A Pingale, Shubhangi M Dalvi, Rajesh B Rajekar, Hemkant M Deshmukh, Shital D Patil, Rajeev Singhai. The p53 breast cancer tissue biomarker in Indian women, Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy 2011:3, 71–78, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BCTT.S20695, ISSN 1179-1314,

Availability Link Download: http://www.dovepress.com/articles.php?article_id=8064.

RESEARCH PROJECTS (Following Research Projects Were Done)

“Immunohistochemical (IHC) Evaluation of Predictive Hormonal Receptors of Breast Cancer in Indian Women” From Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Pathology GRANT MEDICAL COLLEGE and Sir J.J. GROUP of HOSPITALS, Mumbai, India

“Maintenance of Brain Tumors (Gliomas) and Cancer Stem Cells” From Molecular Pathology / Molecular Diagnostics & Medicine, Genetics and Immunohistochemistry Laboratory RELIANCE LIFE SCIENCES CENTRE, New Mumbai, India

“Expression of Cell Lineage, Oncogenes and Proliferation Biomarkers in Primary Brain Tumors” From Department of Histopathology, Cytopathology, Immunohistochemistry and Electron Microscopy JASLOK HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE, Mumbai, India

“Histopathological, Hematological and Biochemical Studies were on Indian Albino Mice Following Low Energy Laser Irradiation on Skin”, Under the National Laser Programme (NLP) Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). From Laser Biomedical Laboratory CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY (CAT) Indore M.P. India, Branch of BHABHA ATOMIC RESEARCH CENTRE (BARC), Mumbai, India

EXPERTISE IN ACCREDITATION OF PATHOLOGY LABORATORY

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories India (NABL) and College of American Pathologist (CAP) Formation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Protocol of Analysis (POAs) and Validation Documents for Accreditation of Pathology Laboratory.

TOTAL JOB EXPERIENCE IN DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH

Experience and Expertise in Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Immunofluorescence (IF), Cytopathology, Enzyme Histochemistry, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Mammalian and Animals Tissue Cells Culture for Cancer Stem Cells Research, Blood Cells Culture Methodology; Stem Cells from Animals and Humans Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) and Non-Embryonic “Somatic” or “Adult” Stem Cells, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), Bone Marrow; Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells, Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Embryonic Stem Cell Line, Culture Methodology of All Types of Cancer / Malignant and Benign Tumor Cells, Cell & Molecular Pathology Technology & Methodology. Developmental, Regenerative Biology and Medicine Techniques; Total 15 Years In that time handling about 7000 cases per year of Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, and Cytopathology Specimens.

PRESENTLY WORKING

■ Presently working in GRANT MEDICAL COLLEGE and Sir J.J. GROUP of HOSPITALS Mumbai, India, as a Research Fellow in Department of Biochemistry and Cell and Molecular Pathology, from 7 January 2008 to till Present day…..

WORKING JOB EXPERIENCE IN DIAGNOSTICS AS WELL AS RESEARCH

■ Worked in JASLOK HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE, Mumbai, India, (Starting from 1999 and confirmation on 6 December 2000 to 30 September 2006, about 6 Years + 1 Year probation and training period, Total time: about 7 Years) as a Sr.Technologist in Department of Histopathology, Cytopathology, Immunohistochemistry and Electron Microscopy.

■ Worked in RELIANCE LIFE SCIENCES CENTRE, New Mumbai, India, (3 October 2006 to 23 February 2009), as a Research Fellow in Molecular Pathology / Molecular Diagnostics & Medicine, Genetics and Immunohistochemistry Laboratory. In Reliance Life Sciences Centre, laboratory setup of Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, Cytopathology, with NABL, CAP Accreditation was done.

■ Worked in CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY (CAT) Indore M.P. India, (June 1997 to March 1999), Branch of BHABHA ATOMIC RESEARCH CENTRE (BARC) Mumbai. India, as a Research Fellow in Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Laser Biomedical Laboratory.

INTERESTING RESEARCH AREAS

Cancer Stem Cells Research, Regenerative Medicine, Cell Biology, Cell & Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry, Immunohistochemistry, Histopathology, Immunology, Genetics, Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, etc.

EXPERTISE IN ROUTINE HISTOPATHOLOGY TECHNIQUES

Human or Animal Organs / Tumors all types of Tissue Biopsy and Tissue Microtomy,Tissue Processing with Computerized Tissue Processor, Used of Microwave Tissue Processor, Embedding of Paraffin Blocks, Cutting of Paraffin Blocks with Any Types of Microtome’s. Rapid Frozen or Cryo-Sectioning for Emergency Diagnosis, Doing Histopathological Gross Examination, Haematoxylin & Eosin Staining methods, all type of Special Staining methods used in Histopathology.

EXPERTISE IN MICROSCOPY AND MICROPHOTOGRAPHY, IMAGE ANALYSIS

Light Microscopy, Phase Contrast Microscopy, Fluorescence Microscopy, Microphotography, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Ultramicrotomy for Electron Microscopy (TEM), Analysis of FISH was on an Olympus AX70 Fluorescence Microscope, The Image Collection and Microphotographs were taken by the Axio Imager M1 Microscope with the AxioVision Software; Carl Zeiss Microscopy Germany.

EXPERTISE IN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY (IHC) AND IMMUNOPHENOTYPING

On Both Paraffin & Frozen Cut Sections; Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Lung Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Prostate Cancer , Renal Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Liver Cancer, Oral Cancer, Brain Cancer, All CD Lymphoma Markers; Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma etc. (Doing All Cancer Tissue Biomarker Panels). Cytopathological FNAC Smears, Cytospin, Fluid Smears, PAP Smears, Apply Antibodies Cancer Biomarkers, C4d Antibody Immunohistochemistry Used in Transplant Renal Biopsies.

EXPERTISE IN IMMUNOCYTOCHEMISTRY (ICC)

On Cytopathological Fluid Smears Cytospin Smears

EXPERTISE IN IMMUNOPEROXIDASE (IP)

In Paraffin Cut Sections like Renal Tissue etc (IgG, IgM, IgA & C3)

EXPERTISE IN IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE (IF)

In Frozen Cut Sections like Liver, Skin, Renal Tissues etc (IgG, IgM, IgA, C1q & C3)

EXPERTISE IN FLUORESCENT- IN-SITU-HYBRIDIZATION (FISH)

HER-2/neu by FISH on paraffin-embedded tissue sections of Breast Cancer

EXPERTISE IN EXFOLIATIVE CYTOPATHOLOGY

Gynecological Cytology (Cervical & Vaginal Smears For HPV) Papanicolaou Techniques (PAP,H & E Stain), Feulgen Reaction for DNA in Cervical Cytology, Respiratory Tract Cytology, Pleural , Ascetic Fluids, CSF (Cytospin),Urine, Sputum, Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), Brocho Alveolar Lavage (BAL).Thin Preparation (Thin Prep) or Liquid Base Cytopathology, Preparation of Cell Paraffin Block

EXPERTISE IN ENZYME HISTOCHEMISTRY

For Muscles Biopsy: ATPase, Gomori, DPNH, NADH, NBT, FAT, Sudan Black, Oil-O-Red, H & E, and PAS. (In Frozen Tissue Sections and Immunohistochemistry in Paraffin Embedded Tissue Sections).

EXPERTISE IN DEVELOPMENTAL, REGENERATIVE BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE TECHNIQUIES

Mammalian & Animal Cells Tissue Culture Methodology for Cancer Stem Cells Research, Blood Cells Culture Methodology; Stem Cells from Animals and Humans Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) and Non-Embryonic “Somatic” or “Adult” Stem Cells, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), Bone Marrow; Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells, Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Embryonic Stem Cell Line, Culture Methodology of All Types of Cancer / Malignant and Benign Tumor Cells.

EXPERTISE IN BIOCHEMISTRY, CELL & MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY TECHNIQUIES

Expertise in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Pathology; PCR-In-Situ- Hybridization in Tissue Sections, Gene Expression, Micro Satellite Instability (MSI) Analysis, RT-PCR,

Handling of all Types of Animals for Research Uses, Tumor Inoculation or Tumor Implantation,

Electrophoresis: SDS-PAGE for Proteins, Enzymes and DNA Separations.

Chromatography (Paper): Ascending, Descending and Radial. Routine Bio-Chemical Estimation: Glucose, Protein, Carbohydrate, DNA. Spectroscopy: UV & Visible (Fluorescence & Absorption). ELISA.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), RT-PCR, Polyacrylamide Gel & Western Blotting Technique

Mammalian and Animal Cells Tissue Culture, Bacterial Cells Culture, Blood Cell Culture

Preparation of Human Blood Film and Study of Different Types of Cells,

Preparations of Haematin Crystals by Tecihmann’s Method, Estimation of Presence of Sugar in Urine, Total Count of Red Blood Corpuscles (R.B.C.) and W.B.C. by Haemocytometer, Supravital Staining for Living Cells & Leucocytes (Janus Green B Staining Methods). Preparation of Museum Specimens (Human Organs & Animals), Special Staining of Bone Calcium of Alizarin Red S.

EXPERTISE IN OTHER TECHNIQUES

Decalcification of Bones for Histopathological Analysis, Micro Organisms staining methods; Gram Staining, Acid Fast Bacilli -- (Ziehl – Nelson) ZN Stain for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, M.leprae, AFB.On Tissue Sections and Cytological Fixed Smears, Preparation of Buffers, Stains and Solution.

EXPERTISE IN COMPUTER

Use of Internet, Dos, Windows, Lotus 123, WordStar, Power Point, Word Excel, Software using in Pathology, Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, Cytopathology Laboratory, Bio-Statistical Analysis.

ACADEMIC RECORDS

Examination Subjects Board/University Year Per./Div. Score

High School (10th) Hindi, English, Math’s & Science M.P. Board Bhopal 1988 63.69 / I 414/650

H.S.S.C. (10+2) 12th Hindi, English, Physics Biology & Chemistry M.P. Board Bhopal 1991 62.75 / I 502/800

B.Sc. Chemistry, Biology D.A.V.V.Indore M.P. 1995 54.27 / II 977/1800

M.Sc. (Zoology) Previous Lower & Higher Non Chordates, Minor Phyla, Fishes, General Biology, Cytology, Cytogenetic, Cell Biology, Physiology, Genetics, Instrumentation & Biostatics, Biochemistry, Microbiology D.A.V.V.Indore M.P. 1996 70.00 / I 420/600*

M.Sc. (Zoology) Final Specialization

CELL BIOLOGY

*2nd in order of Merit.*

Higher Chordate, Mammals, Animal Behavior, Comparative Anatomy, Human Anatomy, Developmental Biology, Environmental Biology, Cell Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology.

D.A.V.V.Indore M.P. 1997 76.66 / I 460/600*

PGDML [Pathology] Doing all Pathological Techniques

St. John’s Paramedical College & Diagnostic Centre, Mumbai, India 2001

I N/A

PhD.[Biochemistry] Biochemistry Grant Medical College and Sir J.J Groups of Hospitals, Mumbai, India. Mumbai University 2009 N/A N/A

REFERENCES

Dr. VINAYAK W.PATIL, PhD.

Head, Professor and Ph.D. Guide and Ex Vice-Dean

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pathology

Grant Medical College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals Byculla,

Mumbai-400008, India

Mobile: +918********* (India)

Email: **.*******@*****.***

Dr. HARISH S. AHUJA, MD

Chief of Pathology Laboratories, Blood Bank in Charge,

Head of Biochemistry, Head of R I A & Toxicology Department

Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre,

15, Dr. G. Deshmukh Marg, Pedder Road,

Mumbai – 400026, India

Mobile: +918********* (India)

Email: **.*************@*****.***

Dr. AMIT V. PATIL, MS

Assistant Professor,

Department of General Surgery,

Government Medical College,

Miraj, Maharashtra, India

Mobile: +919********* (India)

Email: ****.*.*****.******@*****.***

BRIF SUMMARY OF MY RESEARCH GOAL

Most of us can recall the classroom projects in primary school where we learned how plants grow from tiny seeds first by putting down critical roots and then developing stems, leaves and flowers, the magic of growth and transformation.

In later years, as we all tend to lawns and gardens, we come to learn how key the roots of a plant really are just try to get rid of your weeds without getting the full root.

In the last decade, scientists have come to understand more about human development, and ‘stem cell’ has become a household term. Since the initial discovery of stem cells by Lasker Award winners Dr. James Till and Dr. Ernest McCulloch at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in the early 1960’s, scientists have learned not only that that there are different kinds of stem cells embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and cord blood stem cells but that the concept of a stem cell extends to the development of cancer. This idea is quite revolutionary since, until quite recently, doctors have thought of and treated cancerous tumors as if they were a homogeneous ‘mass’. The idea that only certain cells (the cancer stem cells) within the tumor can sustain cancer leads to new ways of thinking about the treatment and eradication of the disease.

So, first of all, what is a stem cell? And how are cancer stem cells different from and similar to ‘normal’ stem cells?

A key property of stem cells is their ability to self-renew the ability to divide and give rise to another stem cell. While most cells divide into two identical cells, a stem cell can divide into two different cells one is a new stem cell and the other is called a ‘progenitor’ cell. The progenitor cell does not have the power of self-renewal, but has the ability to change/differentiate into various cell types. Below is an illustration depicting the division of a hematopoietic stem cell from bone marrow which ultimately creates and maintains the various kinds of blood cells.

When a human egg is fertilized and a fetus develops in the womb, the very first stem cells (referred to as embryonic stem cells), possess the power to differentiate into all the different organs and tissues. Once a human body is fully formed, it seems that embryonic stem cells disappear and are replaced by a small set of adult stem cells within each of the major organs (e.g., intestine, kidney, skin) that are responsible for repair and maintenance of that organ.

Interestingly, a by-product of the stem cell self-renewal process is that the number of stem cells in an organ or tissue remains largely unchanged. One stem cell is lost, but a new one is created. Research indicates that the stem cells responsible for maintaining an organ are able to control their own numbers, possibly by sensing when they have the right number through an exchange of chemicals.

Today, pathologists and other researchers know that tumors contain a variety of cells, including some that resemble the tissue in which the cancer originates. Researchers have also identified that some types of tumors contain specific cells, now called cancer stem cells, which are responsible for sustaining the tumor.

Cancer stem cells share the ability of normal stem cells for self-renewal. However, they seem to have lost control over their own population size. In some tumor types, they also appear to be resistant to most current forms of cancer therapies which may be why cancer often recurs in people who are declared to be ‘cancer free’.

Early experiments indicating that only cancer stem cells can sustain and grow a tumor offer sufficient encouragement to invest further in this area of research.

The researchers do this by developing an understanding of cancer stem cells aiming to improve diagnostic tools, plus treatment and therapies that are easy to administer and non-toxic for the patient.

Hundreds…maybe hundreds of thousands of experiments, tests, and trials need to be completed to get to those tools and treatments, and the team is organizing their work into the following areas:

• Identifying and isolating cancer stem cells

• Defining the characteristics of cancer stem cells, and

• Determining the prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic value of cancer stem cells

• Translating basic science research on cancer stem cells into targeted cancer treatment

Our aim is to characterize cancer stem cells from various tumors and to develop therapeutics capable of specifically eliminating them.

The traditional model of cancer development considers that tumors arise from a series of sequential mutations resulting from genetic instability and/or environmental factors effecting normal cells. A major argument against this model is the prolonged period required to develop the first mutation that subsequently leads to malignant tumor formation. In many tissues in which tumors arise, mature cells have a short lifespan and a limited opportunity to accumulate the multiple mutations required for tumor development.

More recently, a new model has been proposed, which considers that tissue stem cells undergo mutations that deregulate normal self-renewal pathways, leading to tumor formation. Since stem cells are immortal or have a longer lifespan, they can more easily accumulate mutations. This latter model, supported by recent studies, suggests that tumor formation may result from the deregulation of normal self-renewal pathways of tissue stem cells. The cancer stem cell hypothesis would have profound implications for cancer therapy. Cancer stem cells, like normal stem cells, are more resistant to conventional chemotherapies than other more differentiated cancer cells.

Directed Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Hence, to cure cancer, it is important to target not only proliferating cells but also stem cells. Developing therapies that are selectively toxic to cancer stem cells while sparing normal stem cells may lead to more effective treatment options, and understanding cancer stem cell biology will help in the development of predictive biomarkers and of targeted therapeutic strategies.

Hematopoietic and Stromal Stem Cell Differentiation

Our efforts include understanding the processes that normal stem cells employ and identifying the defects that lead to the development of cancer stem cells.

• Isolating and characterizing cancer stem cells from a range of solid tumors and identifying the pathways required for their self-renewal

• Developing relevant self-renewal assays that are compatible with high throughput screening (HTS) format for functional genomics and small molecule screens in order to identify biological networks essential for cancer stem cell's function

• Determining the frequency of non-tumorigenic cancer cells acquiring properties of cancer stem cells

• Functional genomics and proteomic characterization of cancer stem cells and normal stem cells

• Creating a new generation of in vitro assays for the validation of identified oncology targets with a focus on cancer stem cells

• Developing in vivo efficacy models that are capable of interrogating the effect of therapeutics on cancer stem cells.

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