The fellowship arrives at a moment when cancer research is increasingly shaped by connections between disciplines once treated as separate. Cancer is not only a disease of uncontrolled cell division; it is also a disease of altered gene regulation, disrupted communication between organs, immune dysfunction, metabolic rewiring, and persistent interactions with infectious agents. The new projects reflect that broader view. Several researchers will study the regulatory architecture that determines which genes are active, while others will develop technologies for mapping cell surfaces, identify hidden immune targets, or investigate the molecular machinery that makes tumors vulnerable to treatment. Together, the projects illustrate how fundamental biology can generate new routes toward prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.

Nicholas Aboreden, PhD, a Robertson Foundation Fellow working with Kimberly Stegmaier, MD, at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will investigate the poorly understood regulatory elements known as silencers. Although only about 2 percent of the human genome encodes proteins, much of the remaining sequence controls when genes are activated or repressed. Cancer cells frequently exploit enhancers to increase the expression of growth-promoting genes, but the mechanisms by which they use silencers to maintain malignancy remain less clear. Aboreden will map the regulatory genome of an aggressive pediatric leukemia marked by widespread gene repression. By identifying silencer elements essential for the leukemia state, he hopes to uncover vulnerabilities that can be targeted without damaging normal cells. His work could also clarify how gene repression contributes to other tumor types.

At the California Institute of Technology, Timmerman Traverse Fellow Shihui Chen, PhD, will explore the relationship between embryonic development and cancer. During early embryogenesis, genetically identical cells acquire different identities through carefully coordinated changes in gene expression. Similar developmental programs can be reactivated in cancer, allowing malignant cells to adopt abnormal states and invade surrounding tissues. Working with Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, PhD, Chen will use mouse embryos to study CARM1, a gene regulator frequently overexpressed in human tumors. She will determine how CARM1 influences early cell-fate decisions and how the same regulatory logic may be hijacked during cancer initiation. At The J. David Gladstone Institutes, Timmerman Traverse Fellow Stephanie A. Gaglione, PhD, will pursue another underexplored dimension of tumor biology: cryptic antigens. These immune targets arise from unusual or noncoding regions of viral and tumor genomes and may be shared among patients. With Alexander Marson, MD, PhD, Gaglione will profile the antigens displayed by virally driven cancers and identify those capable of stimulating tumor-specific T cells. The results could support engineered T-cell therapies and cancer vaccines directed at targets that conventional approaches overlook.

Several Fellows are developing tools to see cancer biology at unprecedented molecular resolution. Connie and Bob Lurie Fellow Yi Hua, PhD, working with Alice Y. Ting, PhD, at Stanford University School of Medicine, plans to create SortID, a labeling technology based on an engineered bacterial enzyme. The method is designed to rapidly label exposed protein residues on cell surfaces without requiring researchers to attach pre-existing molecular tags. Hua will use SortID to map the surface of SLAMF7, a protein already considered an important therapeutic target in multiple myeloma. A detailed map of the protein’s interactions could reveal how tumor cells communicate with immune cells and identify opportunities for more selective immunotherapies. At Stanford, Lurie Fellow Zhuoran Li, PhD, will examine a different communication system: peptide hormones produced by the brain. Computational analyses suggest that the brain generates many previously unrecognized peptides, but their biological functions remain unknown. Working with Katrin J. Svensson, PhD, Li will identify these signals and determine how they influence appetite and whole-body metabolism, potentially revealing brain–tumor connections relevant to the well-being of cancer patients.

Other projects focus on the molecular systems that determine whether cells survive stress or become malignant. Devon Jeltema, PhD, at the University of California, Berkeley, will study how PARP enzymes modify RNA. PARPs are best known for chemically modifying proteins involved in DNA repair and cellular stress responses, and several PARP inhibitors are already used in cancer treatment. Jeltema’s research will investigate whether RNA modification represents an additional layer of immune defense against viral infection and cancer. By combining biochemical experiments with sequencing technologies, she aims to map modified RNA molecules and determine how these chemical marks alter immune signaling. At The Rockefeller University, Hope Funds for Cancer Research Fellow Jaejin Kim, PhD, will investigate how tissues retain molecular memories of inflammation. Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease can recur in the same anatomical locations, suggesting that stem cells preserve information about previous injury. Kim, working with Elaine Fuchs, PhD, will identify the genes and mechanisms that encode these memories and distinguish beneficial regenerative responses from persistent programs that increase cancer risk.

Metabolism is another central theme among the new fellowships. At The J. David Gladstone Institutes, Connie and Bob Lurie Fellow Rachael A. McMinimy, PhD, will study the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, an enzymatic switch that determines whether glucose-derived carbon enters mitochondrial respiration. Normal cells often use mitochondria to generate energy efficiently, while many cancer cells redirect glucose through alternative pathways that support rapid proliferation and the production of cellular building blocks. McMinimy is investigating a newly identified mechanism that regulates the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex through selective protein degradation. Manipulating this pathway could force tumor cells to rely more heavily on mitochondrial metabolism and reduce their ability to grow. At Stanford, Robertson Foundation Fellow Gayathri Muthukumar, PhD, will examine post-translational modifications on cell-surface and intracellular membrane proteins. Tumor cells often carry unusually dense coatings of sugar molecules, known as glycans, which may alter signaling and help cancers avoid immune attack. Muthukumar will combine molecular mapping with precision genetic screens to determine which modifications promote oncogenesis. The findings could yield new therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers.

At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Timmerman Traverse Fellow Angelos Pistofidis, PhD, will investigate transcription termination factor 2, or TTF2, a protein involved in the mechanics of cell division. During mitosis, duplicated chromosomes must be compacted and accurately separated so that each daughter cell receives a complete genome. Alterations in TTF2 have been linked to defective chromosome segregation, DNA damage, and cell death, and many cancers appear to depend on the protein for survival. Pistofidis will use structural biology, biochemistry, and single-molecule biophysics to determine how TTF2 functions at the molecular level and identify weaknesses that could be exploited by future drugs. At Columbia University, National Mah Jongg League Fellow Christina A. Stephens, PhD, will study adhesion G protein-coupled receptors, or aGPCRs, a class of surface proteins increasingly associated with cancer. These receptors can influence cell growth and communication, but their activation mechanisms remain obscure. Using single-molecule microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, Stephens will define how aGPCRs switch between inactive and active states and use that information to optimize therapeutic strategies against tumors carrying these receptors.

Two Fellows will investigate problems at the intersection of cancer and infectious disease. At The Rockefeller University, Timmerman Traverse Fellow Bailey Schultz, PhD, will study the growth and division of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis. Approximately one-quarter of the global population is estimated to have been infected with M. tuberculosis, and the disease kills more people than any other pathogen. Tuberculosis and cancer intensify one another: previous infection is associated with increased risk of some cancers, while tumors and chemotherapy can weaken immunity and make infection more dangerous. Some cancer immunotherapies may also reactivate dormant tuberculosis. Schultz will use genome-wide CRISPR-based approaches to identify bacterial genes that control cell growth and division, pointing to potential drug targets while anticipating genetic routes to antibiotic resistance. At Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Robertson Foundation Fellow Yang Su, PhD, will focus on c-MYC, a master regulator of cancer growth that has long been considered difficult to drug directly. Su will investigate a newly described form of chemical modification in c-MYC messenger RNA involving the addition of two methyl groups. Determining which enzyme installs the modification and how it changes c-MYC stability or activity could expose a new strategy for suppressing tumors driven by this oncogene.

The final project addresses the evolution of cancer within individual tumors. At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Robertson Foundation Fellow Shuya Wang, PhD, will work with David S. Pellman, MD, to understand how genome instability creates epigenetic diversity. Cancer cells in the same tumor can activate different genes, enabling some subpopulations to survive treatment, adapt to changing conditions, or become more aggressive. Wang will identify the genes and pathways that connect genomic instability with changes in the epigenome, the regulatory layer that controls gene activity without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Understanding how this heterogeneity arises could reveal ways to slow tumor evolution and treatment resistance. “There’s so much talent and excitement and passion and energy at this stage of a scientist’s career,” said current Damon Runyon-Timmerman Traverse Fellow Antonio J. LaPorte, PhD, emphasizing the importance of independent support for young investigators. Yung S. Lie, PhD, President and CEO of Damon Runyon, said the Foundation remains committed to backing researchers whose discoveries in prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutics might otherwise go unfunded. Since its founding in 1946, Damon Runyon says it has invested more than $491 million in nearly 4,100 scientists, including 13 researchers who later received Nobel Prizes.

Web References: http://damonrunyon.org/

Keywords: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, cancer research, postdoctoral fellows, cancer biology, cancer immunotherapy, gene regulation, epigenetics, cancer metabolism, tuberculosis, molecular therapeutics, CARM1, c-MYC, TTF2, cryptic antigens, RNA modification

At the core of this project is the creation of cancer spheroids, which serve as three-dimensional models that closely mimic the in vivo behavior of tumors. Unlike traditional two-dimensional cell cultures, spheroids offer a more realistic environment that can enhance the understanding of cancer biology and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. This method is particularly relevant for teaching students about the pivotal roles that cellular interactions and the extracellular matrix play in tumor development and progression.

The DIY incubator is designed to be cost-effective and easily accessible, making advanced research methodologies attainable for educational institutions with limited resources. This initiative is particularly crucial for fostering scientific curiosity among students, encouraging them to engage directly with the challenges and technologies associated with cancer research. By equipping students with the tools to create and study spheroids, the program inspires a new generation of scientists who are well-versed in modern biomedical techniques.

Moreover, the hands-on experience provided by this project allows students to understand the critical importance of environmental conditions in cell culture. The incubator maintains a stable temperature, humidity, and gas composition, which are vital for the growth of breast cancer spheroids. This control of the culture environment is essential in achieving reproducible and reliable results, a cornerstone of scientific study that students must grasp.

One of the most significant advantages of using a DIY approach is the simplification of the laboratory setup. By stripping down the complexities typically associated with high-tech incubators, students can focus on the fundamental principles of cell culture without being intimidated by advanced equipment. This educational philosophy promotes inclusivity, allowing a wider range of students to partake in meaningful scientific inquiry.

At the same time, this project highlights the ongoing need for innovation in the field of biomedical engineering education. As the landscape of cancer research continues to evolve, educational methodologies must adapt to prepare future scientists for the challenges they will face. The DIY incubator project is a testament to the potential of integrating hands-on learning with contemporary research methodologies, allowing students to experience first-hand the process of scientific discovery.

Critical to the success of this educational endeavor is the incorporation of robust scientific protocols. Students are guided through meticulous steps to ensure the optimal growth and maintenance of breast cancer spheroids. This not only reinforces the importance of precision in research but also enhances their problem-solving skills as they navigate potential challenges that arise during cell culture.

Furthermore, the collaborative nature of this project encourages teamwork among students. By working together to design experiments and troubleshoot issues, participants cultivate essential soft skills that are invaluable in any scientific career. This experience not only enriches their technical knowledge but also prepares them for the collaborative dynamics of real-world scientific research environments.

Importantly, this initiative does not merely serve educational purposes; it also contributes to the broader scientific understanding of breast cancer. By generating and analyzing spheroid cultures, students can investigate the behavior of cancer cells under various therapeutic conditions. This research has immediate implications for developing more effective treatments and personalized medicine approaches.

The hands-on experience gained from this project equips students with a deeper understanding of the complexities of cellular behavior, tumor microenvironments, and treatment responses. They learn to apply theoretical knowledge to practical experiments, reinforcing their understanding of critical concepts in cancer biology, pathology, and pharmacology.

As students delve into this project, they are also exposed to the ethical dimensions of cancer research. Discussions surrounding the implications of their findings and the potential impact on clinical practices foster a sense of responsibility and awareness about the societal consequences of scientific discovery. This ethical component is crucial in shaping responsible future scientists who are cognizant of the broader implications of their work.

In summary, the DIY incubator project for cultivating breast cancer spheroids represents a significant advancement in educational practices within biomedical engineering. By providing students with practical tools and experiences, this initiative not only enhances their educational journey but also contributes to the ongoing battle against breast cancer. As these students graduate and enter the scientific community, they will carry with them the experiences and insights gained from this innovative educational approach, fostering a new era of cancer research that is informed by hands-on experience and ethical consideration.

The relevance of this initiative extends beyond just teaching. It embodies a paradigm shift in how we engage students in the sciences, moving from mere theoretical instruction to immersive experimental investigation. The future of biomedical engineering education appears brighter with initiatives like this one paving the way for more interactive and impactful learning experiences.

Ultimately, fostering an environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, and ethical considerations in science education could transform our collective approach to combating cancer. By empowering students to become active participants in research from an early stage, we not only inspire their scientific curiosity but also equip them with the necessary skills to tackle the complexities of modern medicine.

In conclusion, the DIY incubator project reflects an innovative merging of education and research, offering a practical and ethical framework for students to engage with the urgent challenges posed by breast cancer. As we look to the future, this initiative stands as a model for how educational practices can evolve to keep pace with the demands of contemporary scientific inquiry.

Subject of Research: Cancer Biology and Tissue Engineering

Article Title: Culture of Breast Cancer Spheroids in a Do-it-Yourself Incubator: Introducing Students to Tissue Engineering

Article References: Gallegos-Martínez, S., Pérez-Alvarez, K.A., Trujillo-de Santiago, G. et al. Culture of Breast Cancer Spheroids in a Do-it-Yourself Incubator: Introducing Students to Tissue Engineering. Biomed Eng Education 5, 57–67 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43683-024-00158-2

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43683-024-00158-2

Keywords: DIY incubator, breast cancer spheroids, tissue engineering, biomedical education, hands-on learning, cancer research, scientific inquiry.

MD Anderson’s chief scientific officer, Giulio Draetta, M.D., Ph.D., emphasized the strategic importance of CPRIT’s continued financial support, framing it as a catalyst for the institution’s mission to eradicate cancer. Draetta highlighted the rigorous dedication of MD Anderson’s scientists and clinicians whose collective expertise drives new paradigms in cancer biology, immunotherapy, and precision medicine. This award is not merely financial backing but a recognition of the potential impact of these evolving research programs poised to redefine contemporary oncology.

Since CPRIT’s inception, it has invested over $3.9 billion into cancer research statewide, a staggering infusion of resources aimed at elevating Texas as a global hub for life sciences. MD Anderson alone has garnered more than $696 million, accounting for nearly 18% of CPRIT’s total awards, illustrating the center’s unmatched excellence and influence. The breadth of CPRIT’s distribution extends across 151 entities including academic bodies, nonprofits, and private firms, all aiming to enhance public health, strengthen scientific infrastructure, and invigorate the state’s economic prospects through advanced cancer research.

Among the distinguished research projects funded, the study of extracellular vesicles and exosomes under the stewardship of Raghu Kalluri, M.D., Ph.D., epitomizes cutting-edge cellular biology efforts. These nano-sized vesicles serve as critical mediators of intercellular communication and have garnered intense interest for their role in tumor progression, metastasis, and immune modulation. Kalluri’s work aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms governing exosome biogenesis and cargo transfer, potentially unlocking novel diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets in oncology.

Another pivotal research trajectory targets the implementation of germline genetic testing among prostate cancer patients within diverse, safety-net hospital environments. Led by Debanjan Pain, M.D., this initiative addresses an urgent clinical gap: increasing patient access to precision oncology diagnostics to identify hereditary cancer risk factors. By enhancing the uptake of genetic screening in underserved populations, this project aspires to democratize personalized medicine and improve prognostic and treatment decision-making in prostate cancer care.

Innovative immunotherapeutic approaches are at the core of Chibawanye Ene, M.D., Ph.D.’s investigation into glioblastoma, an aggressive brain malignancy notoriously resistant to conventional treatment. Ene’s research explores the therapeutic potential of genetically engineered macrophages designed to amplify the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This approach seeks to reprogram the tumor microenvironment’s innate immune compartments, rekindling anti-tumor immune responses that could ultimately overcome glioblastoma’s immunosuppressive barriers.

In an equally novel endeavor, Isabella Glitza Oliva, M.D., Ph.D., is conducting an early-phase clinical study evaluating intrathecal adoptive immunotherapy employing autologous CD+ antigen-specific T cells in melanoma patients suffering from leptomeningeal disease. This targeted delivery of cellular therapy into the cerebrospinal fluid represents a pioneering stride toward combating this devastating complication characterized by widespread tumor spread within the central nervous system.

The exploration of microbial-inspired antibody toxin bioconjugates for cancer immunotherapy, led by Betty Kim, M.D., Ph.D., reflects a sophisticated convergence of molecular engineering and immunology. By harnessing microbial motifs to direct potent immune toxins selectively to cancer cells, this project aims to overcome immune evasion tactics employed by tumors, ushering in new classes of highly specific and efficacious therapeutics with reduced systemic toxicity.

Beyond these substantial academic projects, CPRIT’s unprecedented $16 million allocation to recruit six CPRIT Scholars denotes deliberate investment in human capital. This strategic recruitment drive will infuse MD Anderson’s faculty ranks with visionary researchers poised to spearhead transformative cancer research over the coming years. These scholars are expected to pioneer novel scientific inquiries, elevate collaborative interdisciplinary efforts, and ultimately translate laboratory discoveries into clinical applications that enhance patient outcomes.

The trajectory set forth by these research endeavors reflects an integrated, multi-dimensional strategy encompassing molecular biology, genetics, immunotherapy, and clinical innovation. MD Anderson’s ability to translate these complex scientific insights into tangible medical advances reiterates the seamless synergy between basic discovery and clinical impact. The CPRIT funding will undeniably accelerate timelines for breakthroughs, fortifying both the scientific community and patient care paradigms.

Moreover, the broader implications of CPRIT’s support extend well beyond academic research. The infusion of these funds stimulates economic growth, nurtures biotechnology development, and fosters educational opportunities within Texas. The initiative amplifies the state’s standing as a fertile environment for life sciences innovation, supporting ecosystems that catalyze high-impact science while generating jobs and improving public health infrastructures.

In sum, this latest CPRIT grant embodies a profound commitment to conquering cancer through multidisciplinary excellence and scientific rigor. MD Anderson’s researchers stand on the vanguard of a new era, propelled by fresh funding streams, global collaborative networks, and cutting-edge technologies. Their relentless pursuit of knowledge and therapeutic innovation promises to transform cancer treatment landscapes in Texas and around the world, heralding hope for patients and families confronting cancer’s enormous burden.

Subject of Research: Cancer Research, including exosomes biology, germline genetic testing uptake, immunotherapy for glioblastoma and melanoma, and antibody toxin bioconjugates.

Article Title: MD Anderson Secures $21.4 Million CPRIT Grant to Propel Breakthroughs in Cancer Research and Faculty Recruitment

News Publication Date: May 21, 2025

Web References:

• https://www.mdanderson.org/
• https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/giulio_draetta.html
• https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/raghu_kalluri.html
• https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/debanjan_pain.html
• https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/chibawanye_ene.html
• https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/isabella_glitza.html
• https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/yonsonbetty_kim.html

Keywords: Cancer Research, Neurosurgery, Exosomes, Immune Response, Immune System, Immunotherapy, Prostate Cancer