Overview
Early work in Dr. Lyden's laboratory resulted in several fundamental discoveries that involve the role of bone marrow-derived stem and progenitor cells in tumor vasculogenesis and in metastasis. His lab has shown the first evidence of genetic regulation in vasculogenesis with the discovery of one family of genes called Id1-4 in early blood vessel development in embryogenesis and in tumorigenesis (Nature, 1999). Dr. Lyden and colleagues subsequently identified two bone marrow-derived cell types, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) of myeloid origin that both participate in the formation of new blood vessels in the primary tumor that occurred by vasculogenesis as opposed to angiogenesis (Nature Medicine, 2001). Building upon this work, Dr. Lyden's laboratory showed that Id1 also plays a critical role in suppressing the anti-tumor immune response during tumor progression and metastasis (Nature Communications, 2015). More specifically, his group showed that upregulation of Id1 in response to tumor-derived factors such as TGFβ is responsible for the switch from dendritic cell differentiation to myeloid-derived suppressor cell expansion during tumor progression.
Highlights
- 1Cell · 2020
- 2Nature · 2023
- 3Cell · 2025
Publications
Funding
Active
17 grants- Sub-PIR01CA207983-07Tumor derived extracellular vesicles in the pre-metastatic nicheNational Cancer Institute · 2017–2029 · via Children's Hospital of Los Angeles· 2 renewals
- KPU19AI144301-08Immune Cells and Secretory Pathways Leading to Human Systemic AutoimmunityNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2019–2029· 2 renewals
- MPIR01CA218513-09Application of 4D proteomics and super-resolution microscopy in extracellular vesicle and particle-borne biomarker discovery for early pancreatic cancer detectionNational Cancer Institute · 2017–2028· 3 renewals
- MPIR21CA307817-01A1Interrogating and Targeting ICANS in CAR T-Cell TherapiesNational Cancer Institute · 2026–2028
- PILCD - 1583094Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Vesicles in Lung Cancer Brain MetastasisAmerican Lung Association, Incorporated · 2026–2028
- MPIR01DK137517-04Abnormal Extracellular Vesicles and Particles from Human Islets Impact T1D progressionNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2023–2028
- PIPSF 251938-02Targeting Ovarian Cancer Metastasis: From Pre-metastatic Niches to Liquid BiopsiesPershing Square Foundation · 2025–2028
- Sub-PIU01CA210240-09Pancreatic Cancer Detection ConsortiumNational Cancer Institute · 2017–2027 · via University of Nebraska Medical Center· 2 renewals
- MPIR61HL154310-02In vitro modeling of blood brain barrier dysfunction on a chip to elucidate the pathogenesis of cerebral malariaNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2021–2027
- PISRA 228400-01Identifying Mechanisms and Biomarkers of Cancer-Induced CachexiaAtossa Therapeutics, Inc. · 2023–2027Contract
- PIOI 241832-02Targeting the Axis of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles, Lung Macrophages, and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps to Prevent Pulmonary Metastasis in OsteosarcomaOsteosarcoma Institute · 2024–2027
- Co-ITL1TR002386-06Clinical and Translational Science Center - TL1National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences · 2017–2027Training· 2 renewals
- PISRA 226201-02Restoring ER Positivity in Triple Negative Breast CancerAtossa Therapeutics, Inc. · 2023–2027Contract
- PISRA 223591-05Lyden_Bromberg_SRA_2022Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · 2022–2026Contract
- PISRA 224988-01Endoxifen Trial Experimental Endpoint SRAAtossa Therapeutics, Inc. · 2022–2026Contract
- KPIBCIC 234991-01Exosomal GALNT7 as driver and biomarker of TAM recruitment and immune evasion in IBCInflammatory Breast Cancer International Consortium · 2024–2026No publications yet
- PIFNRS 223732-04The Excellence of Science EOSFonds de la Recherche Scientifique - FNRS · 2022–2025
Completed grants (32)
- PISRA 232852-01Aufbau/SonderX - Lyden Laboratory WCM SRASonder Medicine, Inc. · 2024–2025Contract
- PISRA 226201-01Restoring ER Positivity in Triple Negative Breast CancerAtossa Therapeutics, Inc. · 2024–2025Contract
- Sub-PIR44CA272098-01A1Quantitative Analysis of Cancer-associated EVs.National Cancer Institute · 2023–2025 · via Cellarcus
- KPWCR 223946-01Exosomal DNA primes the anti-tumor immunity to prevent metastatic progressionWorldwide Cancer Research · 2023–2025
- Sub-PIU19AI110483-10Molecular Regulation of B cells and T cells in Human SLENational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2019–2024 · via Emory University
- KPW81XWH2010263-02Exosome-mediated thrombosis in pancreatic cancerU.S. Department of Defense · 2020–2023No publications yet
- Sub-PITFF 183665-06Targeting Pancreas CancerThe Thompson Family Foundation, Inc. · 2017–2023 · via Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
- KPK00CA212451-03The role of tunneling nanotubes as a novel mode of tumor cell-macrophage communicationNational Cancer Institute · 2018–2022
- MPIU01CA224175-03Defining Neoantigen Immunodominance for Antigen Selection and Biomarker Discovery in Human Pancreatic Cancer ImmunotherapyNational Cancer Institute · 2017–2022 · via Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
- Co-ICTSC Internal Funding UL1Clinical and Translational Science Center- Institutional CTSC Internal Funding UL1CTSC Cost Share · 2017–2022
- KPUL1TR002384-01Clinical and Translational Science Center - UL1National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences · 2017–2022
- PISRA 220065-01Thompson Family Fellow GrantMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · 2021–2022Contract
- MPIYr 1 of 1Defining The Molecular Signature of Inflammatory Breast CancerBeth C. Tortolani Foundation Ltd · 2016–2021 · via Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
- Sub-PIPOETIC 184075-03Study Characterizing Cellular, Extracellular Composition and Genetic Profiling of Relapsed/Refractory Pediatric Tumors (POETIC)Pediatric Oncology Experimental Therapeutics Investigators' Consortium · 2016–2021 · via Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer ResearchNo publications yet
- Sub-PIIIDRP-16-001Targeting Early and Late Metastasis in Pre-Metastatic and Dormant Niches With 3 Promising DrugsBreast Cancer Research Foundation · 2017–2020 · via Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
- PIDFI 180124-1Development of Tumor Exosome KIAA1199 Blocking Strategies for the Prevention and Treatment of Brain MetastasisDaedalus Fund for Innovation (Weill Cornell) · 2017–2020
- PIALSF 203009-01Pediatric Oncology Student Training (POST) Program- Lillian Miles SchaefferAlex's Lemonade Stand Foundation · 2020–2020
- KPCCF 527125Elucidating the Role of the Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseCrohn's and Colitis Foundation of America · 2017–2020
- PIALSF 180243-02Circulating Exosomes as Biomarkers of Medulloblastoma Progression, Metastasis, and RecurrenceAlex's Lemonade Stand Foundation · 2016–2019
- PIR01CA169416-05Exosome-Mediated Transfer of c-MET to Bone Marrow Progenitors Promotes MetastasisNational Cancer Institute · 2013–2019
- PII9-A9-056Circulating Exosomal microRNA as Biomarkers of Medulloblastoma Progression, Metastasis, and RecurrenceStarr Cancer Consortium · 2016–2018
- PITHF 184062-03Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - A Neurodevelopmental SyndromeThe Hartwell Foundation · 2014–2018
- PIW81XWH-13-1-0427Organ-Tropic Metastatic Secretomes and Exosomes in Breast CancerU.S. Department of Defense · 2013–2018
- PIW81XWH-13-1-0249Radiolabeled Exosomes for the Early Detection of Metastases and to Predict Breast Cancer Premetastatic NicheU.S. Department of Defense · 2013–2018
- PIALSF 170218-012017 Northwestern Mutual Foundation Supplemental GrantAlex's Lemonade Stand Foundation · 2017–2018
- PICF 180249-02Program in Biology and MetastasisChampalimaud Foundation · 2016–2018
- PIU01CA169538-05Characterization and Functional Analysis of Breast Cancer Secreted Exosomes in MaNCI · 2012–2017 · via NIH RePORTER
- Sub-PIBD521883The Role of Exosomes in Neuroblastoma Metastasis to the Bone and Bone MarrowPediatric Cancer Research Foundation · 2017–2017 · via Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
- Sub-PIU54CA163117-05Center for Environment-Mediated Drug Resistance in Pediatric CancerNational Cancer Institute · 2015–2016 · via Children's Hospital Los Angeles
- Sub-PIU54CA163120-05Extracellular Vesicle Mediated Cellular Cross-Talk in Pancreatic Tumor MicroenvironmentNational Cancer Institute · 2015–2016 · via University of Nebraska Medical Center
- PIR01CA098234-04Regulation of tumor angiogenesis by Id+ marrow precursorNCI · 2003–2007 · via NIH RePORTER
Honors & distinctions
- Fellow · American Association for the Advancement of Science · 2022
- Member · Association of American Physicians · 2021
Available technologies
- Exosomal CEMIP and Anti-CEMIP Antibodies for Detection, Prevention and Treatment of Brain Metastasis7932Application filedPoC DataPMID 31685984
Show 1 more technology
- Tumor-Derived Exomeres as Biomarkers for Cancer Detection and Monitoring8035Application filedPoC DataPMID 29459780
News mentions
- Scientists Identify Tumor-Secreted Protein That Promotes Lung MetastasisAugust 5, 2026
A protein secreted by common cancer types makes blood vessels leakier to allow metastatic tumors to form in the lungs, according to a study led by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
- T Cells Secrete DNA to Boost the Immune System’s Cancer-Fighting AbilityApril 30, 2026
Activated immune cells secrete tiny capsules bearing DNA that can enter other immune and tumor cells to stimulate the body’s defense systems, according to a study led by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Cancer’s Ripple Effect May Promote Blood Clot Formation in the LungsFebruary 11, 2025
Blood clots form in response to signals from the lungs of cancer patients—not from other organ sites, as previously thought—according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine.
- DNA Secreted by Tumor Cell Extracellular Vesicles Prompts Anti-Metastatic Immune ResponseDecember 3, 2024
Specially packaged DNA secreted by tumor cells can trigger an immune response that inhibits the metastatic spread of the tumor to the liver, according to a study led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Korea’s Yonsei University.
- New Predictors of Metastasis in Patients with Early-Stage Pancreatic CancerJune 28, 2024
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine with an international team have used liver biopsies to identify cellular and molecular markers that can potentially be used to predict whether and when pancreatic cancer will spread to an individual’s liver or to another organ.
Show 9 more mentions
- Commercial Astronauts Shed Light on Flights’ Health Impacts and Create Spaceflight AtlasJune 11, 2024
Molecular and physiological changes in space travelers reveal new targets for aerospace medicine and can guide new missions, according to the results of a massive international research endeavor by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine, SpaceX, and other organizations.
- Dr. David Lyden Wins Paget-Ewing Award from Metastasis Research SocietyJanuary 25, 2024
Dr. David Lyden, the Stavros S. Niarchos Professor in Pediatric Cardiology and a professor of pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine, has been named the winner of the 2024 Paget-Ewing Award by the Metastasis Research Society.
- Research Illuminates How Melanoma Readies Lymph Nodes for Tumor SpreadJanuary 19, 2022
Melanoma cells release small extracellular packages containing the protein nerve growth factor receptor, which primes nearby lymph nodes for tumor metastases, according to a new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.
- Weill Cornell Medicine Physician-Scientist Inducted into Association of American PhysiciansApril 23, 2021
Weill Cornell Medicine physician-scientist Dr. David Lyden, whose research has led to groundbreaking discoveries about how cancer spreads, has been elected into the esteemed Association of American Physicians.
- Studies Reveal Clues about Preventing Spaceflight-Related RisksNovember 25, 2020
Space travel, illnesses like COVID-19, and climbing Mount Everest can trigger the body’s stress response systems in similar ways, according to new studies by Weill Cornell Medicine, space agencies and many other investigators.
- Tiny Protein Packages Released from Cells May Serve as Biomarkers for Early Blood-Based Cancer DiagnosisAugust 13, 2020
Tiny packets called extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs), released by cancer and immune cells, contain specific proteins that may serve as reliable biomarkers for diagnosing early-stage cancer, according to investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine and Memorial Sloan Kettering.
- Scientists Identify Protein that Promotes Brain MetastasisNovember 4, 2019
A protein that breast, lung and other cancers use to promote their spread—or metastasis—to the brain, has been identified by a team led by Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian investigators. The protein, CEMIP, will now be a focus of efforts to predict, prevent and treat brain metastases, which are a frequent cause of cancer deaths.
- Prestigious Awards and Prizes Presented to Faculty and StudentsJuly 8, 2019
Weill Cornell Medicine faculty members honored with annual awards at Convocation and Commencement for their exemplary achievements.
Mentoring
- MCMichele CioffiPostdoc mentee · 2021–2021
- SHSamer HannaPostdoc mentee · 2021–2022
- SQSarah QureshyMD mentee · Class of 2026
- ZZZishan ZhangPostdoc mentee · 2023–2024
- DMDianna MejiaMD mentee · Class of 2022
External relationships
Advisory/Scientific Board Member
Aufbau Holdings, Ltd.