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Defining novel mechanisms of microbiota in regulating anti-tumor responses

Award Number: K99CA290052
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2024
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2026

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Defining novel mechanisms of microbiota in regulating anti-tumor responses - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Research: Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in the world, with estimates as high as 1.9 million new diagnoses and 0.6 million deaths in the United States last year. Trillions of normally beneficial microbes, termed the microbiota, continuously colonize the mammalian intestine and emerging evidence indicates key roles for these microbes in impacting cancer. This includes both promoting tumor growth and progression, but also in supporting response to immunotherapies, raising the exciting possibility to manipulate microbiota to combat cancer, however the mechanisms by which microbiota influence cancer progression and immunotherapies remain poorly understood. Based on my published and new preliminary data, I hypothesize that host-microbiota interactions (i) promote tumor growth by limiting metabolites that provoke anti-tumor immunity, and (ii) shape systemic anti-tumor immunity and the outcome of immunotherapy by antigen-specific responses to gut microbiota via crosstalk of RORgt+ lymphocytes. These studies will define two novel pathways by which microbiota interacts with mammalian hosts to impact tumor growth, progression, and immunotherapy response, thus provoking novel opportunities for intervention. Career goals: My overarching goal is to become an independent investigator at an academic institution where I investigate the mechanisms by which host-microbe interactions modulate anti-tumor immunity and immunotherapy response for the treatment of cancer. Further, I aspire to become an inspirational and productive mentor as these are essential aspects of being an independent investigator. Career Development Plan: To become a successful independent investigator, I will further develop a various research, professional, and personal skills. These will include further acquiring expertise in cancer biology and microbiology techniques, as well as fostering collaborations and developing skills in writing, communicating, teaching, mentoring and laboratory management. My host laboratory and Weill Cornell Medicine provide an outstanding academic environment where trainees can fulfil these criteria by fostering scientific collaboration and enrolling in courses to develop skills in specialist scientific areas, personal development, and laboratory management. The mentorship I will receive will be of the highest standard. Further, in addition to my mentor and co-mentor, I have support from a team of independent investigators with extensive expertise in areas that will greatly facilitate the completion of experiments proposed and my career transition into independence. Career Development Environment: I will perform the K99 phase in the laboratory of Dr. Gregory Sonnenberg at Weill Cornell Medicine, which provides an outstanding environment in terms of the resources and facilities available. Weill Cornell Medicine is an ideal environment to develop during the K99 phase as I progress to become a successful independent investigator. The laboratory has access to all the instruments and facilities necessary to complete the experiments proposed in this application.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2027 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2027	2025	WEILL MEDICAL COLLEGE OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY	575 LEXINGTON AVE FL 9	NEW YORK	NY	10022	NEW YORK	USA	Cancer Research Manpower	000	2	10/27/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2026	2025	WEILL MEDICAL COLLEGE OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY	575 LEXINGTON AVE FL 9	NEW YORK	NY	10022	NEW YORK	USA	Cancer Research Manpower	000	2	7/29/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $138,240 )
2025	2025	WEILL MEDICAL COLLEGE OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY	575 LEXINGTON AVE FL 9	NEW YORK	NY	10022	NEW YORK	USA	Cancer Research Manpower	000	2	7/2/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$138,240
														Subtotal = $138,240

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $138,240 )
2024	2024	WEILL MEDICAL COLLEGE OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY	575 LEXINGTON AVE FL 9	NEW YORK	NY	10022	NEW YORK	USA	Cancer Research Manpower	000	1	6/20/2024	NEW	$138,240
														Subtotal = $138,240

Grand Total All Awards = $276,480

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Defining novel mechanisms of microbiota in regulating anti-tumor responses

Award Number: K99CA290052

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2024

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2026

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