PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Candidate: I am a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Richard White at Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center. My research career has focused on how cells interact and communicate, beginning with my
PhD research into how skin cells coordinate rapid wound healing in the embryonic epidermis, and continuing
into my postdoctoral research on how tumor and microenvironment cells interact during melanoma invasion.
My recent publication uncovered a novel “interface” cell state adopted by both tumor and microenvironment
cells at the tumor boundary, distinguished by upregulation of cilia. The objective of this proposal is to determine
the contribution of the cilia-enriched interface cell state to melanoma invasion. Ultimately, my long-term goal is
to lead an independent group studying how tumor and microenvironment cells cooperate to promote
melanoma progression. To accomplish these goals, I have developed a career plan to: (1) develop new
scientific and technical skills; (2) become an effective leader and mentor; (3) extend my professional network of
advisors and collaborators; (4) successfully transition to an independent role.
Research: Recent advances in treating melanoma, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy,
demonstrate how an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of melanoma progression and the role of the
tumor microenvironment (TME) can lead to novel therapeutics. Interactions between tumor and TME cells
often promote melanoma progression. My recent work identified a novel cilia-enriched “interface” cell state
adopted by tumor and microenvironment cells at the tumor boundary, and found that cilia are required for
melanoma invasion. This indicates that the interface cell state may have a critical role in melanoma
progression. To investigate the role of the interface in invasion, I will accomplish the following specific aims: (1)
determine the mechanism by which cilia promote invasion; (2) investigate how cilia gene expression is
regulated; (3) identify the mechanisms that establish the interface cell state.
Environment: During the mentored phase, the proposed work will be completed at Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center (MSKCC), one of the world’s leading cancer centers with a history of major discoveries in
cancer biology. The research will be performed in the White laboratory within Sloan Kettering Institute, the
research arm of MSKCC, led by Dr. Joan Massagué. The White laboratory is a member of the Cancer Biology
and Genetics Program within Sloan Kettering Institute, a program led by my co-mentor Dr. Scott Lowe.
Between my mentor, co-mentor, advisory committee, and collaborators, I have assembled an outstanding team
of experts in basic and translational cancer research who will guide this work and assist with achieving my
scientific and professional goals during the transition to independence.