Treating (advanced) cancers successfully requires understanding the specifics of cancer biology. Without that knowledge, the targeting of tumors and metastases and minimizing “bystander effects” is not possible. During the last decades, the community of cancer researchers has discovered that tumors are not just a growing mass of cells, but highly differentiated and often behave in many ways like another organ in the body, consisting of complex tissues that interface with the entire host organism. Cancer stem cells are often able to escape during classic tumor therapies that target fast growing cells, ultimately causing cancer relapse. The researchers in our department work toward understanding what makes cancers different from healthy tissue and how to take advantage of this therapeutically. We are the basic research department of KUMC with an emphasis on translating our results into the clinic and the lives of cancer patients.
News and Updates
January Spotlight: Anindita Mahanty
Anindita is a third year PhD student in Dr. Jennifer Davis's lab. Her current research focuses on how obesity influences tumor biology, particularly Colon Cancer Metastasis. Anindita joined KUMC in 2020 through the IGPBS program. She says that joining the cancer biology department at KUMC has truly been inspiring for her. Anindita's research aims to understand the molecular and genetic mechanisms linking obesity with colorectal cancer metastasis, with the goal of identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In the long term, she aspires to transition into clinical research and work directly with patients.
Background: Anindita is an international student from India. She came to the US in 2020 for the masters program in molecular and cancer biology at the University of New Haven, Connecticut. Back in India Anindita did her undergraduate and masters work in medical biotechnology at Manipal University and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Mumbai). Anindita has lost loved ones to cancer which generated her interest in the field of cancer research.
Fun fact: Outside her academic work, Anindita likes to get involved in local health awareness campaigns, volunteering with organizations that promote cancer prevention. She enjoys traveling and loves to explore diverse cultures and gain new perspectives. She is passionate about physical fitness, doing yoga and trying new physical activities. Anindita is an Indian classical dancer which helps her manage stress and work life balance. Apart from that, she loves to spend time with her kitten, Nola.
Our faculty member Mike Washburn recently had two papers published.
- Distinct Regions within SAP25 Recruit O-Linked Glycosylation, DNA Demethylation, and Ubiquitin Ligase and Hydrolase Activities to the Sin3/HDAC Complex | Journal of Proteome Research
- DYRK1A interacts with the tuberous sclerosis complex and promotes mTORC1 activity | eLife
Cancer Biology Seminar Series Spring Schedule
"The Return of Preclinical MRI - How Can We Support Your Research?"
Stefan Bossmann, Ph.D.
Professior and Chair
University of Kansas Medical Center, Cancer Biology
Macy Payne, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor
University of Kansas Medical Center, Cancer Biology
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Location: 1006 Cates Hall West
Time: 12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.
Lunch will be served to the first 50 participants.
Join the January 29 Cancer Biology Seminar in Zoom
Please be sure to join us!