Department of Pharmacology
and Chemical Biology
Read Lab
High grade gliomas (HGGs), the most common and deadly primary brain tumors, are caused by mutations that perturb developmental and homeostatic processes in neuro-glial stem and progenitor cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Our goal is to effectively target and actively eliminate these tumor cells in the brain. To this end, our research addresses several outstanding questions in the field. For example, how do mutations in developmental signaling pathways promote malignancy? Which neural cell types undergo neoplastic transformation and why? How do cell-cell interactions in the neural microenvironment promote tumorigenesis? Can the molecular pathways driving HGG be effectively pharmacologically targeted for therapeutic benefit?
Glioblastoma
Research Program
Our research program uses a multi-disciplinary approach to analyze the function of developmental cell-signaling pathways in tumorigenesis, spanning several types of brain tumor model systems, including mouse models of HGG, primary patient-derived human HGG stem cells, human iPS cell-derived brain organoid ('mini-brain') models, and Drosophila melanogaster HGG models. Current projects focus on the functional role of mutant variants of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and their downstream effectors in tumor initiation and progression, including the YAP and TAZ transcription factors. Our work also involves new clinical trials that target effectors of RTK signaling in HGG. Additional ongoing projects in our lab explore the role of cell-cell interactions and cell fate in the tumor microenvironment.
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Our research program is aided by fun and productive collaborations with other neuro-oncology researchers in the Departments of Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, Human Genetics, Pathology, and Hematology and Medical Oncology, including clinical neurosurgical and neuropathology faculty. We welcome young scientists who seek to enter this dynamic field. Our trainees will have opportunities to work with our brain tumor model systems, perform drug testing experiments in pre-clinical paradigms, interface with clinical neuro-oncology faculty, and/or advocate for patient outreach and education.
