The Dow lab investigates the initiation, progression, and response of colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers using in vivo animal model systems and ex vivo organotypic cultures. We have pioneered the development of next-generation technologies for animal studies, such as regulated miRNA-based shRNAs, CRISPR-based genome editing, and optimized base editing tools. We use these systems to generate tailored pre-clinical models based on genetic alterations frequently observed in human cancer and investigate how genetic context and local environmental cues such as inflammation, influence disease onset, progression, and therapeutic response. By defining the critical drivers of cancer we aim to design strategies for more effective patient treatment.

In vivo models

Using state-of-the-art genetic tools, we develop animal models of disease to identify cancer drivers and dependencies

fluorescent tracking

We use a variety of fluorescent markers in vivo to track and isolate target cells

ex vivo analysis

Ex vivo organoid culture provides a setting to dissect key molecular events and evaluate therapeutic response