Signaling and Tumor Microenvironment (STME)

Members of the University of Michigan (U-M) Rogel Cancer Center (Rogel) Signaling and Tumor Microenvironment (STME) Program share interests that align with five of the nine Rogel cross-cutting research themes: Tumor Microenvironment & Metabolism; Molecular Determinants; Inflammation, Microbes & Immunity; Targets & Therapeutics; and Prevention & Early Detection. Members of the STME Program are engaged in understanding both tumor-intrinsic and microenvironmental effects of altered signaling networks. Investigators are involved in intra- and inter-programmatic interactions and actively collaborate with Rogel Cancer Center researchers within the Basic Science, Translational and Clinical Research, and Cancer Control and Population Sciences Programs. The shared research interests of program members are reflected in the program’s overall scientific aims: 1) Elucidate the role of cell fate and plasticity during tissue homeostasis and cancer progression, 2) Define the heterocellular interactions that drive tumor epithelial growth and treatment response, 3) Characterize metabolic and metabolite interactions that impact cancer and growth progression. The Aims will identify cell autonomous and microenvironmental factors that alter fundamental aspects of tumor initiation, expansion, invasion and metastasis. Our main goal is to translate the mechanistic findings to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.