Primary Research Focus
The research in this laboratory is to study the basic mechanisms that define cellular identity, and how identity may be altered during disease progression. In particular, we are currently investigating the mechanisms that “stem cell” genes play in the formation of multiple pediatric and adult tumors. We explore these foundational questions by the use of mouse genetics, tissue and 3D organoid culture, and molecular biology techniques combined with next generation genomic and bioinformatic analysis with a long-term goal of generating novel therapeutics to treat some of the most devastating diseases that afflict people worldwide.
About the Kareta Lab
Lab Projects and News
Oncogenic mechanism of Sox2 in Rb-deficient tumors
Loss of Rb is a cause of multiple pediatric tumors and loss of Rb function is common in nearly every human cancer, yet the role of Rb-loss in the formation in cancer is not fully understood. Sox2 has been implicated as a downstream effector following Rb loss. Determining the role of Sox2 in Rb-loss initiated tumors will then provide a basis for future investigations into novel cancer therapies.
The mechanism of SOX2 in the development of neuroendocrine lineages and its regulation of cell pliancy
Understanding the potential contributions of development on the ability of some cells to initiate cancer can have broad impacts on future therapies. Indeed, we will investigate master regulator genes that throughout development can define cellular identity, yet also promote cancer when aberrantly activated. Our objective is to use these investigations to better derive new targeted therapies and open new avenues for cancer prevention.