The Systems, Pathways & Targets (SPT) Program is a newly formed program (created in 2011) that integratescancer-focused members from two prior programs with new members who have expertise in the systemsbiology of cancer. SPT members focus on cellular signaling, tissue morphogenesis and computationalmodeling/bioinformatics. The overarching goal of this program is to identify key proteins or points of crosstalkfor therapeutic intervention. To achieve this goal, three aims are proposed: 1) Identify key targets in signalingpathways, developmental pathways, and metabolic programs that are relevant to cancer initiation, progression,and therapeutic resistance, 2) Develop multi-disciplinary teams to study tumor heterogeneity andmicroenvironment/cellular interactions, 3) Diversify multi-disciplinary approaches to develop new therapeuticstrategies. SPT members include cell biologists, immunologists, geneticists, developmental biologists,computational scientists, and clinicians. Dr. David Fruman and Dr. John Lowengrub direct the program as coleaders.Their expertise in cellular signaling and drug development (Fruman) and systems biology of the tumormicroenvironment (Lowengrub) embody the scientific breadth of basic research in the program, their partneringwith basic and physician scientist members demonstrates the collaborative nature of SPT. Since the lastrenewal, exciting progress has been made in the identification of new targets in cancer cells and thedevelopment of small lead compounds against those targets. The first subset of these molecules are makingtheir way to the bedside in the form of pre-clinical tests and clinical trials. Strategic partnering with members ofthe Chemical and Structural Biology (CSB) program has led to the synthesis of a second subset of moleculesfor evaluation in pre-clinical assays. In addition, SPT members have collaborated with bioengineers in theOnco-Imaging and Biotechnology (OIB) program for the development of new tools for cancer research. Newcollaborations with members of the Cancer Prevention, Outcomes and Survivorship (CPOS) program showpromise in identifying and addressing issues in the catchment area of the cancer center. In the future, the SPTprogram leadership will continue to leverage the unique breadth and synergy among its members to buildcollaborative teams that tackle long-standing problems using bold and innovative approaches.Membership: 55 Members from 17 DepartmentsFunding: $2,731,793 NCI (Totals); $9,767,626 Other Peer-Reviewed (Totals)Publications: 588 Publications, 15% Inter-programmatic; 12% Intra-programmatic
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