Cancer and Stem Cell Biology (CSCB)

University Of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

CANCER AND STEM CELL BIOLOGY (CSCB) RESEARCH PROGRAM ABSTRACT The UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC) Cancer and Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) Research Program is led by Director Gay Crooks, MBBS, who specializes in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell transplantation, and Co-Director Brigitte Gomperts, MD, who studies lung carcinogenesis and the role of the microenvironment. CSCB links basic and translational investigators studying biological processes shared between stem cells and malignancy. Program activities are responsive to community needs and research is founded on the concept that a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of normal and aberrant cell self-renewal and differentiation will reveal novel biological insights into cancer initiation, progression, and recurrence, thereby enabling exploration of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Basic, translational, and clinical researchers study normal stem cells and their malignant counterparts originating from epithelium, mesenchyme, or blood. Integration between these tissue platforms is facilitated by sharing common conceptual and mechanistic frameworks and experimental tools. The Program objective is to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that control homeostasis in healthy tissues that go awry in malignancy, and to harness these mechanisms for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Three Specific Aims guide the Program. Aim 1: To understand how the biology of epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells is regulated during malignant transformation and normal development. Aim 2: To define the mechanisms that regulate growth and differentiation of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs) during malignant transformation, normal development, aging, and after transplantation. Aim 3: To determine the role of the microenvironment in tumor formation and stem cell regulation. CSCB has 44 members from 23 departments located in three UCLA schools and affiliate Caltech, who together provide the breadth and depth of expertise needed to achieve scientific and programmatic goals. Program members are highly productive and collaborative with 735 cancer publications and 21 patents during the current project period. CSCB publications are 46% inter- and 14% intra-programmatic, with 34% in high impact (IF ≥10) journals. Members have support from $17.7M in cancer funding, of which $4.3M (24%) is from the NCI and $10.6M (60%) is peer-reviewed. Program science is highly dependent on the JCCC, with significant member use of all six Shared Resources, the JCCC Intramural Awards and Fellowship Awards Programs, space allocations, recruitment and retention of key investigators, and support for programmatic activities and initiatives. CSCB partners with CRTEC and COE units in developing a pipeline of talented researchers from high school to junior faculty, building strength under JCCC Strategic Plan guidance. The shared biology of stem cells and cancer in all tissues yields an immensely fertile and interactive Program environment across platforms. CSCB benefits from a close collaboration over 20+ years between the JCCC and the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center (BSCRC), which has led to important discoveries that are in, or making their way, into the clinic.