Research Teams - Stand Up To Cancer

Research Teams

SU2C Convergence 3.1416 Research Team: Integrating gnotobiotic, organoid, and metabolomic pipelines to probe the cancer-microbiome connection

January 2021-December 2023

This SU2C Convergence Research Team will study gastrointestinal malignancies using gnotobiotic assays, organoids and metabolomics in order to identify the mechanisms by which bacteria interact with host cells to cause tumor development or regression.

Supported by:

ABOUT THIS TEAM’S RESEARCH

Epidemiological data suggest that lifestyle (including diet) and the consequent shift in the gut microbiota play a role in cancer development and therapy responsiveness. These data remain, however, largely correlative. Functional validation and molecular dissection using appropriate model systems is required. In this study, an international collaborative team from different disciplines will investigate the complex interplay between microbiota and cancer in various aspects, with an aim toward discovering the specific microorganisms and the metabolites that causally promote cancer and/or therapy responsiveness. Studies will focus largely on GI malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic cancer (PDAC). The Team will leverage in vivo gnotobiotic pipelines, in vitro organoid systems and metabolomic expertise. Integrating the state-of-the-art gnotobiotic, organoid, and metabolomic strengths will lead to the identification of underlying mechanisms of action by which the bacterial community interacts with host cells, including epithelial cells and immune cells, to cause tumor development or trigger tumor regression.

Detecting Gastric Cancer

MEET THE TEAM

The top scientists and researchers on the SU2C Convergence Research Team: Integrating gnotobiotic, organoid, and metabolomic pipelines to probe the cancer-microbiome connection come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, which leads them to great insights upon collaboration. Learn more about the SU2C Convergence Research Team: Integrating gnotobiotic, organoid, and metabolomic pipelines to probe the cancer-microbiome connection.

Kenya Honda, MD, PhD
Leader
Keio University

Team Members

Kenya Honda, MD, PhD
Keio University
Leader

Hans Clevers, MD, PhD
Hubrecht Institute
Team Member

Joshua Rabinowitz, MD, PhD
Princeton University
Team Member

Toshiro Sato, MD, PhD
Keio University
Team Member

Alice Lustig
Stand Up To Cancer
Project Manager

TEAM PROGRESS UPDATES

Stand Up To Cancer’s research projects are designed to foster collaborative, swift translational research. The hallmarks of these efforts include rigorous application and selection procedures, sufficient funding to allow scientists to focus on the objectives of the grant, and reviews by senior scientists every six months. These reviews help the investigators capitalize on the latest findings, address potential roadblocks, and collaboratively evolve as the science requires. For this SU2C Convergence Research Team, please click on the link below to see summaries of their research results so far.

TEAM PROGRESS UPDATES

PUBLICATIONS

This Team started its work in 2021, and publications will be posted when available.

Clinical Trials Referrals

Cancer clinical trials allow researchers to study innovative and potentially life-saving new treatments. The goal is to find treatments that are better than what’s currently available; in fact, the therapies offered to today’s cancer patients were almost all studied and made possible by people participating in clinical trials. But many cancer clinical trials aren’t completed because not enough people take part.

At StandUpToCancer.org/ClinicalTrials, you’ll find clinical trial information, answers to common questions, and a free clinical trial finder tool.

LEARN MORE

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