Academic Program: Biomedical Science - Molecular Medicine

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are an aggressive tumor type with a 40-68% chance of metastasizing and no available effective therapies. 80% of MPNSTs have mutations in polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), a master regulator of gene expression. Our data shows loss of PRC2 increases pro-metastatic genes and metastasis in cell lines, mouse models, and patients. Further interrogation of PRC2-dependent metastasis will allow us to identify and test novel therapies for these patients.