Discovery of new TME treatment targets in glioblastoma, the most common and deadly brain cancer

Dr. Watson previously discovered that glioblastoma physically connects with surrounding brain cells. These connections allow cancer cells to steal critical components, like mitochondria, from the brain—and as a result, become more aggressive. DiscoverTME is investigating how this process occurs and the molecular mechanisms of its effect on brain tumors, with the hope of identifying targets for new cancer therapies.

Precision immunotherapy

DiscoverTME is working with other research groups at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to design precision immunotherapy with highly targeted effects, specific to particular tumor types. These engineered drugs aim to maximize the effectiveness of immunotherapy, while decreasing side effects.

Microbiome-inspired immunotherapy

The types of bacteria living in our gut (microbiome) have a significant effect on how well a patient responds to cancer therapy—especially immunotherapy. However, there has been little progress in designing treatments that leverage the growing knowledge of how microbiome affects cancer. DiscoverTME is joining forces with biomedical engineering researchers at University of Miami to design and test microbiome-inspired therapies for several cancer types.

For more information, visit our lab website at https://www.discovertme.com/.