The Czyz Lab, led by Dr. Monika Czyz, is a research laboratory focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases, including cancer. The lab's primary goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatment strategies. Located at the University of Pennsylvania, the Czyz Lab is part of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and it collaborates with other research groups and institutions to advance our knowledge of disease biology.
Research Focus
The Czyz Lab’s research focus is on the molecular mechanisms of cancer development and progression, with a particular emphasis on the role of transcription factors and signaling pathways in tumor growth and metastasis. The lab uses a combination of molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology techniques to study the regulation of gene expression and the interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironment. Key areas of investigation include the analysis of cancer stem cells, the role of epigenetic modifications in cancer, and the development of targeted therapies against cancer-specific molecular targets.
Current Projects
One of the current projects in the Czyz Lab involves the investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of triple-negative breast cancer, a highly aggressive and metastatic form of breast cancer. The lab is using a combination of genomic and proteomic approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatment strategies for this disease. Another project focuses on the role of microRNAs in the regulation of cancer cell growth and survival, with the goal of developing microRNA-based therapies for cancer treatment.
| Project | Focus | Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Tumor Microenvironment | Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor growth and metastasis | Immunofluorescence, live cell imaging, RNA sequencing |
| Cancer Stem Cells | Identification and characterization of cancer stem cells in solid tumors | Flow cytometry, cell sorting, sphere formation assays |
| Targeted Therapies | Development of targeted therapies against cancer-specific molecular targets | High-throughput screening, small molecule inhibitors, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing |
Lab Members and Collaborations
The Czyz Lab is composed of a diverse group of researchers, including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research technicians. The lab collaborates with other research groups and institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute. These collaborations provide access to a wide range of resources and expertise, including animal models, clinical samples, and high-throughput screening facilities.
Education and Training
The Czyz Lab is committed to providing education and training opportunities for students and postdoctoral fellows. The lab offers a range of research training programs, including rotations for graduate students and postdoctoral fellowships. Lab members also participate in seminars and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and to present their research to the scientific community.
- Research training programs for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
- Seminars and workshops on topics related to cancer biology and translational research
- Collaborations with other research groups and institutions to provide access to a wide range of resources and expertise
What is the primary focus of the Czyz Lab’s research?
+The Czyz Lab’s primary focus is on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases, including cancer, with a particular emphasis on the role of transcription factors and signaling pathways in tumor growth and metastasis.
What are some of the current projects in the Czyz Lab?
+Some of the current projects in the Czyz Lab include the investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of triple-negative breast cancer, the role of microRNAs in the regulation of cancer cell growth and survival, and the development of targeted therapies against cancer-specific molecular targets.
What kind of collaborations does the Czyz Lab participate in?
+The Czyz Lab collaborates with other research groups and institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute, to provide access to a wide range of resources and expertise.
