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  5. Cancer Biology Track

Cancer Biology Track

Dr. Ash Prakash and graduate student Megan Patterson


Director: Aishwarya Prakash, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology / USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute

The Cancer Biology Track focuses on elucidating the fundamental processes and complexities of cancer biology, spanning various disciplines such as chemistry, DNA repair, health disparities, metabolomics, proteomics, tumor microenvironment, metastases, immunology, and cancer neurogenesis. With multidisciplinary approaches, we aim to uncover innovative strategies for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. 

The endeavors of our faculty encompass a wide array of cancers, including brain, breast, cervical, colorectal, endometrial, lung, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. By investigating these diverse cancer types, we strive to unravel their unique molecular signatures, pathogenic mechanisms, and therapeutic vulnerabilities, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and addressing the global burden of cancer.

Advanced coursework

  • IDL 560 – Cancer Biology (3 credits) 
  • IDL 566 – Topics in Cancer Biology (1 credit)
  • IDL 667 – Current Cancer Research in Progress (CCRIP; 1 credit)
  • CR 730 – Advanced Cancer Biology (3 credits) 
  • IDL 640 – Statistics (2 credits) 
  • IDL 641 – Grant writing (1 credit)

Student Spotlight

Magan PittmanMagan Pittman
Hometown: Monroeville, AL 
Undergraduate education: B.S. in biomedical sciences with a concentration in biotechnology, University of South Alabama
Research focus: Cancer biology; DNA repair
Faculty mentor: Aishwarya Prakash, Ph.D.
“I chose to join Dr. Prakash's lab because my favorite area of study is biochemistry/molecular biology, and my lab mates and mentor are incredible scientists and people!”

Faculty Research Spotlights 

Dr. Chandrani SarkarChandrani Sarkar, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Pathology / USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute 

Research interest: My research focuses on investigating the role of neuromediators in modulating the microenvironment during metastatic cancer progression. I am interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that modify the tumor microenvironment, thereby leading to tumor progression and recurrence, and using this knowledge to develop treatment strategies. Currently my lab is studying the role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in regulating the growth and progression of colon cancer. Other research interests include understanding the role of neuromediators in the process of wound healing. 

Techniques used: Some of the techniques that we regularly use for our studies include orthotopic and subcutaneous tumor transplantation in mice, real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, in vitro cell culture assays and ELISA.

Dr. Simon Grelet labSimon Grelet, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology / USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute 

Research interest: The Grelet research group investigates the crosstalk between nerves and cancer cells, and its impact on cancer cells aggressivity. Recent preclinical and pathological studies have described cancer neurogenesis, the process by which cancer cells induce the growth of nerves into tumors, as analogous to neoangiogenesis, in which cancer cells release factors that elicit the growth of blood vessels into the tumor. However, the exact mechanisms that drive nerves to infiltrate tumors and support their growth and progression is unknown.

Research methodologies: In the laboratory, we are using trans-disciplinary approaches to study cancer neurogenesis. By applying high-throughput transcriptomic methodologies on CRISPR/Cas-9 genetic models we recently developed, we are currently exploring the molecular interplay located at the neuro-epithelial interface. Other methodologies also include the analysis of human tumor samples by classical biochemistry and molecular biology approaches, cancer cells and neuronal stem cells cultures and differentiation protocols for imaging and genome-wide genetic screenings.

Research innovation: The laboratory research capitalizes on new concepts in cancer biology and advanced model systems combined with bioinformatic approaches to yield insights into the mechanisms of tumor progression and identify new targets for cancer therapy.