Research Bio
The Becker lab studies malignant stem cell populations in myeloid neoplasms. By combining the power of cell sorting, qPCR based gene expression analysis and advanced normal and cancer stem cell models, we are now able to characterize the contribution of normal somatic tissue stem cells to the development of cancers, including Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and MDS. Our lab uses model systems and gene expression analysis to compare normal stem cells with their malignant counterparts with the goal of an improved understanding of the origins of cancer stem cells and to identify novel targets for therapy.
We have employed a unique flow cytometry platform and analysis approach to differentiate normal and malignant stem cell and progenitor populations in patients undergoing treatment for AML and MDS. This platform allows us to assess the impact of therapy on malignant stem cell populations and their gene signatures in patients undergoing treatment of their disease. In addition, we are interested in the role of the microenvironment in supporting malignant stem cell populations.
2016 Feb 4
Balderman SR, Li AJ, Hoffman CM, Frisch BJ, Goodman AN, LaMere MW, Georger MA, Evans AG, Liesveld JL, Becker MW, Calvi LM. "Targeting of the bone marrow microenvironment improves outcome in a murine model of myelodysplastic syndrome." Blood. 2016 Feb 4; 127(5):616-25. Epub 2015 Dec 04. |
2015
Zong H, Gozman A, Caldas-Lopes E, Taldone T, Sturgill E, Brennan S, Ochiana SO, Gomes-DaGama EM, Sen S, Rodina A, Koren J, Becker MW, Rudin CM, Melnick A, Levine RL, Roboz GJ, Nimer SD, Chiosis G, Guzman ML. "A Hyperactive Signalosome in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Drives Addiction to a Tumor-Specific Hsp90 Species." Cell reports. 2015 13(10):2159-73. Epub 2015 Nov 25. |
2015
Sivagnanalingam U, Balys M, Eberhardt A, Wang N, Myers JR, Ashton JM, Becker MW, Calvi LM, Mendler JH. "Residual Disease in a Novel Xenograft Model of RUNX1-Mutated, Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia." PloS one. 2015 10(7):e0132375. Epub 2015 Jul 15. |
2014 Aug
Guzman ML, Yang N, Sharma KK, Balys M, Corbett CA, Jordan CT, Becker MW, Steidl U, Abdel-Wahab O, Levine RL, Marcucci G, Roboz GJ, Hassane DC. "Selective activity of the histone deacetylase inhibitor AR-42 against leukemia stem cells: a novel potential strategy in acute myelogenous leukemia." Molecular cancer therapeutics. 2014 Aug; 13(8):1979-90. Epub 2014 Jun 16. |
2014 Jul 3
Zahreddine HA, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Assouline S, Gendron P, Romeo AA, Morris SJ, Cormack G, Jaquith JB, Cerchietti L, Cocolakis E, Amri A, Bergeron J, Leber B, Becker MW, Pei S, Jordan CT, Miller WH, Borden KL. "The sonic hedgehog factor GLI1 imparts drug resistance through inducible glucuronidation." Nature. 2014 Jul 3; 511(7507):90-3. Epub 2014 May 28. |
