Keri Laboratory
Tumor/Stromal Interface
Tumors have intrinsic heterogeneity of the epithelial cell population within the tumor. This can be due to alterations in the genetic composition of these cells as well as the local environment in which the cells exist. We have identified changes in HER2/Neu tumors that occur in stroma-associated tumor cells compared to cells that are distant from the stroma. This suggests that diffusible ligands regulate the functions of these cells. We are currently investigating the importance of specific pathways of tumor-stromal communication that may regulate tumor growth or metastatic progression. Of particular interest is the importance of stromally-derived Activin in regulating tumor cell function.
Members:
Emhonta JohnsonPost-Doctoral Fellow |
Carlos De Leon RodriguezResearch Assistant |
| Melissa Landis (Keri Lab Alumnus) | |
