Postdoctoral Fellow Functional Genomics and Proteomics of Childhood Cancers

We are a group of biochemists, biologists and physicians in the Molecular Pharmacology Program at the Sloan Kettering Institute in New York City, USA. We carry out research in cancer biology, and our current work is focused on the phenomenon of cellular plasticity, as it relates both to the fundamental mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis and emerging rational therapies.

In particular, we are studying the biology of refractory leukemias and solid tumors, and we are interested in understanding the principles of disorganization of their genomes and proteomes, and determining the molecular mechanisms of response and adaptation of tumor cells to targeted therapies.

To answer these questions, we are developing new approaches, using developmental accurate mouse models, functional genomics and functional proteomics to decipher the mechanisms of cancer cell development and develop new therapeutics.

Targeting Oncogenic DNA Damage Repair Signaling of Developmental Mutators . Using state-of-the-art tools in chemical proteomics and functional genomics, we are studying the mechanisms of oncogenic DNA damage repair signaling induced by the human DNA transposase PGBD5 (Henssen et al. Science TM 2017, PMID: 29093183 ). This work should define fundamental mechanisms of DNA damage repair in normal cells, and how they are dysorganized in cancer cells, including childhood brain and solid tumors.

Developmental Mechanisms of Somatic Genome Remodeling . Using new developmentally-accurate genetically-engineered mouse models, we are studying the functions of the human DNA transposase PGBD5 and other domesticated nucleases (Henssen et al. Nature Genetics 2017, PMID: 28504702). This work should define the functions of somatic mosaicism in normal brain development, epigenetic developmental mechanisms, and fundamental causes of cancers in children and young adults.

If you are a recent PhD graduate with interest in the above areas and experience with cancer genetics, developmental biology, or DNA damage repair, please contact Alex Kentsis at http://alexkentsis.net/ or kentsisresearchgroup+application@gmail.com

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