Overview
Molecular Profiling of Colon Cancer
Research Topics: All cancers must accumulate molecular changes to achieve sustained growth, evade apoptosis, achieve immortality, acquire a blood supply, invade tissue barriers, and finally establish metastasis. Three of these six functional capacities can arise through the mutation of several genes involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis, Wnt signaling, RPTK signaling, and TGF_ signaling pathways. Our long-term research objective is to identify, quantify, and correlate the multi-gene DNA and RNA alterations that activate the functional capacities of a given tumor. Understanding the molecular profiles of both primary adenocarcinomas and metastasis provides the basis for improving prognosis, refining current treatment protocols, and developing new gene-specific therapies. Our laboratory leads an NCI funded program project grant that aims to achieve a comprehensive molecular profiling of colon tumors. Our approach is distinguished from others by using two complementary molecular profiling techniques on the same human tumor sample: (i) determining the genetic and epigenetic profiles (see unique technologies below), and (ii) determining mRNA profiles, and then correlating the results. We believe this dual approach will generate the requisite filters for identifying the critical genes and pathways of tumor progression. Our experience in molecular profiling has led to a recently awarded NIAID funded Collaborative Project Grant for development of new technologies to: (i) Identify multiple blood-borne pathogens simultaneously, in a single assay, (ii) Evaluate antibiotic resistance and enhanced virulence in positive blood cultures, and (iii) Distinguish Dengue, West Nile and other emergent agents from common pathogens employing high throughput screening platforms using microbial signature profiles. Lab 0rganization and Equipment:
Highlights
- 1Journal of medicinal chemistry · 2020
- 2Journal of medicinal chemistry · 2024
- 3Human mutation · 2020
Publications
Funding
Active
4 grants- PIBP 254158-01BioPharma Alliance Agreements with Chiara Biosciences Inc.Chiara Biosciences INC · 2025–2027BioPharma Alliance
- PIAD 226095-01Acuamark Biopharma Alliance Agreement RenewalAcuamark Diagnostics · 2021–2026BioPharma Alliance
- PIBP 234961-02RCA with Oxford Nanopore Technologies PLCOxford Nanopore Technologies PLC · 2023–2026BioPharma Alliance
- PICirculogene BiopharmaCirculogene BiopharmaCirculogene · 2021–2025BioPharma Alliance
Completed grants (8)
- PIAD 201318-01Acuamark Biopharma Alliance AgreementAcuamark Diagnostics · 2019–2021BioPharma Alliance
- PIUT 191859-01Self-Assembling Dimeric Drugs to Target Protein DestructionUnii Therapeutics · 2018–2021Contract
- PIDF 180069-1Self-Assembling Dimeric Drugs to Target Protein DestructionDaedalus Fund for Innovation (Weill Cornell) · 2017–2019
- Sub-PIP41EB020594-03Biotechnology Resource Center of Biomodular Multi Scale Systems CBM2 for Precision Molecular DiagnosticsNational Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering · 2015–2019 · via University of Kansas Center for Research, Inc.· 2 renewals
- PIAD 183321-01Acumark Diagnostics Research Collaboration AgreementAcuamark Diagnostics · 2018–2019Contract
- PIU01AI075470-05Multiplexed Detection of Food and Waterborne PathogensNIAID · 2007–2013 · via NIH RePORTER
Honors & distinctions
- Fellow · National Academy of Inventors · 2016
Available technologies
News mentions
- The Power of Partnership in InnovationApril 14, 2025
Nearly 200 scientists, investors and industry representatives attended Weill Cornell Medicine’s 2025 Biomedical Innovation Conference April 1, sharing their startup journeys and experiences nurturing biomedical advances into health care products and companies.
- 2024 Business Plan Challenge Pitch Competition Supports Innovation for Health Care ChallengesJune 18, 2024
The 2024 Business Plan Challenge accelerator program culminated in a pitch competition with five finalist teams putting their knowledge and marketing skills to the test.
- Conference Showcases Biomedical Innovation at the Intersection of Business and ScienceMarch 7, 2024
The 2024 Startup Symposium & InvestConnect Conference celebrated scientific inquiry and the entrepreneurial spirit.
- Health Hackathon Invites Diverse Talent Pool to Put AI and Machine Learning to Work for PatientsMarch 6, 2020
The fourth annual NYC Health Hackathon brought together students and faculty members from Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell’s Ithaca campus and several local and national academic institutions, to develop high-tech healthcare innovations.
Mentoring
- AAAlmudena Aguilera DiazPostdoc mentee · 2021–2026
External relationships
Ownership
Acuamark Diagnostics · Chiara Biosciences INC
Proprietary Interest
Acuamark Diagnostics · Chiara Biosciences INC
Other Interest
Acuamark Diagnostics · Chiara Biosciences INC
Other
Acuamark Diagnostics · Chiara Biosciences INC