Dr. Hartsough's work is focused on understanding the mechanisms contributing to metastatic progression and susceptibility of cancers to targeted inhibitors. In particular, the lab utilizes melanoma as a model system to investigate the following:
- We are interested in exploring the tumor suppressive functions of CADM1 in regulating melanoma invasion, anchorage-independent cell death, and costimulation of immune-mediated cytotoxic responses. These studies may highlight CADM1 as a diagnostic indicator for prognosis and could open new therapeutic avenues to combat melanoma metastasis.
- Mutations in the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway are drivers in many forms of human malignancies. In particular, the serine/threonine kinase BRAF is mutated in ~8% of all cancers. Targeted inhibitors have been designed to block aberrant BRAF; however due to differences in cellular signaling, efficacy of these drugs are limited to a subset of mutant BRAF tumors. We are interested in understanding the mechanisms governing the varied responses to inhibitor treatment.
Time-lapse imagery of melanoma spheroid invading into collagen.
Learn More About Our Research
Hartsough Lab Staff
Julia Oleksak, Master’s Candidate
Research Interests:
- Role of CADM1 in reducing viability of melanoma circulating tumor cells
- Understanding CADM1 directed non-adherent cell death mechanisms including parthanatos, pyroptosis, and necroptosis
- Pharmacologically augment CADM1 death effect
Maria Cavallo, PhD Student
Research Interests:
- BRAF inhibitor-induced immunogenic cell death in melanoma brain metastases
- The role of CNS phagocytes in melanoma brain metastases
- Drug resistance and relapse in melanoma
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