Pandolfi Lab
The interests of the
Pandolfi Lab
focus on the genetics and biology of cancer. The lab has made a number of seminal contributions to the characterization of the fusion oncoproteins and genes involved in the chromosomal translocations of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), as well as that of major tumor suppressors such PTEN and p53 and novel proto-oncogenes such POKEMON.
Using a variety of
engineered mouse lines to study the effects and interactions of these genes
in vivo, the lab strives to develop models that faithfully replicate human cancers. These in turn can be utilized for the development and testing of novel treatments and therapeutics.
In particular our research interests focus on the utilization of
leukemia and prostate cancer models to dissect the genetics of these diseases. By characterizing the normal function of the stem cells in these tissues, we hope to better understand how "stem cell-like" cancer initiating cells (CIC) drive tumorigenesis, and how these CICs an be targeted for eradication of the disease.