美国MD安德森癌症中心荧光和共焦显微技术博士后职位

Our goal is to understand how cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) drive the malignant progression of lung cancer by functioning as pericytes. We use cell co-culture systems in which CAFs exhibit pericytic properties, secrete a collagen-rich matrix, and communicate bi-directionally with tumor cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages to create vessels and regulate tumor cell migration and invasion. These cells are derived from genetically-engineered mice that express vascular reporters and develop lung adenocarcinoma that are highly fibrotic and infiltrated by CAFs that produce collagen and a plethora of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic cytokines. For validation studies, we use a large bank of human lung cancers annotated for somatic oncogenic mutations and clinical variables. This is a highly collaborative project with a multi-disciplinary group of investigators at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and Rice University who are funded by NIH and other agencies to address this question.

Project is well-suited for individuals with experience using fluorescence and confocal microscopic techniques to interrogate cell-cell interactions in 3D matrices. Preference will be given to individuals with these skill sets who are now completing their thesis work and have at least one high-impact publication.