Location: Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
Education
- Graduate: PhD, 2016, Harvard University
- Undergraduate: BS, 2010, Biology, Grambling State University
Research Summary
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death with profound implications in human health and disease. In the context of cancer, the use of ferroptosis inducers to target subpopulations of highly metastatic and therapy-resistant cancer cells has garnered much excitement over the last few years. However, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the full therapeutic potential of ferroptosis, our research focuses on (i) uncovering the molecular factors affecting ferroptosis susceptibility, (ii) studying its impact on the tumor microenvironment, and (iii) developing innovative ways to modulate ferroptosis resistance in vivo. We employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining functional genomics, metabolomics, bioengineering, and a range of in vitro and in vivo models to advance our understanding in this domain and to translate our findings into effective therapies.
Awards
- The Margaret and Herman Sokol Postdoctoral Award, 2022
- Ludwig Center at MIT Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2022
- Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2017
- HHMI International Predoctoral Research Fellowship, 2013
Education
- PhD, 2016, MIT
- BS, 2008, Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez
Research Summary
We study chromatin — the complex of DNA and proteins that make up our chromosomes. We aim to understand how post-translational modifications to these building-blocks, as well as the factors that regulate these events, play essential roles in maintaining the integrity of cells, tissues, and ultimately entire organisms. We implement a combination of functional genomics, biochemical, genetic, and epigenomic approaches to study how chromatin and epigenetic factors decode the chemical language of chromatin, and how these are dysregulated in diseases such as cancer.
Awards
- AACR Gertrude B. Elion Cancer Research Award, 2023
- V Foundation Award, 2022
- NIH MOSAIC K99/R00 Postdoctoral Career Transition Award, 2021
- Eddie Méndez Scholar Award, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 2020
-
Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Fellowship, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, 2017
Education
- PhD, 2016, Biology, MIT
- BS, 2008, Microbiology, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
Research Summary
The overarching goal of the Sánchez-Rivera laboratory is to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which genetic variation shapes normal physiology and disease, particularly in the context of cancer. To do so, we develop and apply genome engineering technologies, genetically-engineered mouse models (GEMMs), and single cell lineage tracing and omics approaches to obtain comprehensive biological pictures of disease evolution at single cell resolution. By doing so, we hope to produce actionable discoveries that could pave the way for better therapeutic strategies to treat cancer and other diseases.
Awards
- V Foundation Award, 2022
- Hanna H. Gray Fellowship, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 2018-2026
- GMTEC Postdoctoral Researcher Innovation Grant, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 2020-2022
- 100 inspiring Hispanic/Latinx scientists in America, Cell Mentor/Cell Press, 2020
Education
- PhD, 2017, MIT; MD, 2018, Harvard Medical School
- Undergraduate: BS, 2010, Biology, Duke University
Research Summary
We aim to understand how tissues sense and respond to damage with the goal of developing novel treatments for diverse human diseases. We focus on the mammalian liver, which has the unique ability to completely regenerate itself, in order to identify the molecular requirements for effective organ repair. To this end, we innovate genetic, molecular, and cellular tools that allow us to investigate and modulate organ injury and regeneration directly within living organisms.
Awards
- NIH Director’s Early Independence Award, 2018
- Henry Asbury Christian Award, 2018
Education
- PhD, 1990, University of London
- BSc, 1986, Biochemistry, University of York
Research Summary
We identify the proteins and pathways involved in tumorigenicity — establishing their mechanism of action in both normal and tumor cells. To do so, we use a combination of molecular and cellular analyses, mutant mouse models and genetic screens in zebrafish.
Education
- PhD, 2001, Johns Hopkins University
- BS, 1993, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Wesleyan University
Research Summary
Many human cancers do not respond to chemotherapy, and often times those that initially respond eventually acquire drug resistance. Our lab uses high-throughput screening technology — combined with murine stem reconstitution and tumor transplantation systems — to investigate the genetic basis for this resistance. Our goal is to identify novel cancer drug targets, as well as strategies for tailoring existing cancer therapies to target the vulnerabilities associated with specific malignancies.
Education
- PhD, 2000, University of Chicago; MD, 2002, University of Chicago
- SB, 1994, Biological Chemistry, University of Chicago
Research Summary
We study the biochemical pathways cells use and how they are regulated to meet the metabolic requirements of cells in different physiological situations. We focus on the role of metabolism in cancer, particularly how metabolic pathways support cell proliferation. We aim to translate our understanding of cancer cell metabolism into novel cancer therapies.
Awards
- National Academy of Medicine, 2024
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Faculty Scholar, 2016
- SU2C Innovative Research Grant Recipient, 2016
Education
- PhD, 1971, MIT
- MA, 1970, Biochemistry, Cambridge University
- BA, 1966, Biochemistry, Cambridge University
Research Summary
We study the mechanisms underlying the spread of tumor cells throughout the body, known as metastasis. We are particularly interested in the role of the extracellular matrix — a fibrillar meshwork of proteins that surrounds both normal and tumor cells, which plays many important roles in tumor progression. We also investigate changes in the metastatic cells themselves and in the contributions of normal cells, both in terms of metastasis and other bodily functions.
Awards
- Paget-Ewing Award, Metastasis Research Society, 2018
- Inaugural American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Fellow, 2016
- American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy, Fellow, 2014
- Distinguished Investigator Award, International Society for Matrix Biology, 2012
- Earl Benditt Award, North American Vascular Biology Organization, 2010
- Robert and Claire Pasarow Medical Research Award – Cardiovascular, 2008
- E.B. Wilson Medal, American Society for Cell Biology, 2007
- President, American Society for Cell Biology, 2000
- Gairdner Foundation International Award, 1997
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1996
- National Academy of Medicine, Member, 1995
- Royal Society of London, Fellow, 1989
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 1988
- American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow, 1987
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1987
- John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Guggenheim Fellowship, 1982
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, please email rhynes-admin@mit.edu.