Honami Naora, Ph.D.
Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Division of Discovery Science
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor (with tenure), Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Division of Discovery Science, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Faculty member, Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center/UT Health
Research Interests
- Cell differentiation and patterning
- Cell transformation
- Tumor progression and tumor microenvironment
- Cancers of female reproductive organs
The research mission of my laboratory is to understand how aberrations of processes that normally control embryonic development contribute to tumorigenesis and tumor behavior. Cancer is increasingly thought to be an aberrant form of organogenesis or development "gone wrong". My laboratory primarily focuses on the role of homeobox genes in cancer. These genes encode transcription factors that normally control developmental patterning, but many are aberrantly expressed in tumors. We are particularly interested in cancers of the female reproductive organs, because these tissues exhibit dynamic developmental plasticity and represent ideal organ systems to study how tumorigenesis is intimately related to embryonic development. By investigating the molecular underpinnings of this relationship, our goal is to identify focal points for therapeutic intervention and more effective markers of early-stage disease.
Our key research questions include:
i) how do homeobox genes control evolution of different types of tumors from the same cell-of-origin?
ii) what sets of homeobox genes regulate tumor progression, and what are their mechanisms?
iii) how do homeobox genes cross-talk with other signaling pathways in tumors?
The studies in my laboratory are multi-disciplinary and integrate cancer biology with developmental biology. The projects include both molecular studies of gene regulation, and studies of tumor growth, histopathology, and interactions with the microenvironment using<em> in vitro</em> and animal models.
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1994 | The Australian National University, Canberra, AU, Medical Sciences, Ph.D |
| 1990 | The Australian National University, Canberra, AU, Biochemistry, B.S. with First-Class Honors |
Postgraduate Training
| 1999-2000 | Research Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland |
| 1997-1998 | Research Fellowship, Institut Pasteur, Paris |
| 1994-1997 | Research Fellowship, The Australian National University, Canberra |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Associate Professor (with tenure), Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2013 - 2022
Associate Professor (with tenure), Department of Systems Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2013
Assistant Professor (tenure-track), Department of Systems Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2004 - 2007
Assistant Professor (tenure-track), Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2002 - 2004
Research Associate (Research faculty appointment), Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 2000 - 2002
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
Board of Directors, Board member, Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering, Princeton, NJ, 2022 - Present
Scientific Advisory Board, Member, Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, Melbourne, 2022 - Present
Advisory Board, Member, HERA Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Boulder, CO, 2002 - 2009
Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Promotion and Tenure Committee (Research), 2024 - Present
Chair, Education Committee of the Faculty Senate, 2024 - Present
Member, GSBS Program Directors Committee, 2024 - Present
Member, Molecular & Cellular Oncology Chair Search Advisory Committee, 2023 - Present
Member, Graduate Education Committee, 2023 - Present
Member, GSBS Program Directors Committee, 2022 - 2024
Member, Faculty Workload Survey Working Group, 2022 - 2022
Member, Faculty Appraisal Working Group, 2022 - 2022
Member, Institutional Strategic Plan Breakthroughs Cohorts 2 Committee, 2022 - 2022
Member, Education & Training Internal Advisory Board, 2022 - 2023
Senator (Molecular & Cellular Oncology), Faculty Senate, 2022 - Present
Co-Chair, Education Committee of the Faculty Senate, 2021 - 2024
Member, Research Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate, 2021 - 2022
Member, Faculty Advisory Committee for Postdoctoral Fellows, 2021 - 2022
Member, Research Enablement, Activities and Conduct Team (REACT), 2021 - Present
Senator (Molecular & Cellular Oncology), Faculty Senate, 2020 - 2022
Member, Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, 2020 - 2022
Member, Faculty Achievements Awards Committee, 2020 - 2020
Member, Faculty Achievement Awards Committee, 2019 - 2019
Member, GSBS Academic Standards Committee, 2018 - 2021
Member, Institutional Research Grants Scientific Review Committee, 2017 - 2020
Reviewer, INTEREST- Internal Review Study Section, 2017 - 2017
Member, Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Faculty Membership Subcommittee, 2017 - 2017
Senator (Molecular & Cellular Oncology), Faculty Senate, 2017 - 2020
Chair, Alfred G. Knudson Award Review Committee, 2015 - 2015
Senator (Molecular & Cellular Oncology), Faculty Senate, 2013 - 2016
Member, Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, 2013 - 2014
Member, Institutional Biosafety Committee, 2013 - 2014
Member, John P. McGovern Award Committee, 2012 - 2012
Member, T.C. Hsu Scholarship Committee, 2012 - 2012
Member, Division of Cancer Medicine Research Awards Committee, 2011 - 2013
Senator (Systems Biology), Faculty Senate, 2010 - 2013
Chair, Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, International Students Admissions Subcommittee, 2009 - 2011
Member, Institutional Research Grants Scientific Review Committee, 2007 - 2010
Member, Institutional Biosafety Committee, 2006 - 2011
Honors & Awards
| Janet Elspeth Crawford Prize, The Australian National University | |
| Australian Postgraduate Research Award, Commonwealth Government of Australia | |
| Today's Life Science Award, Australian Society for Medical Research | |
| Sidaction Fellowship, Fondation pour la Recherche Medicale, France | |
| Research Fellowship Award, Prevent Cancer Foundation (formerly Cancer Research Foundation of America) | |
| Eagle Award for Scientific Achievement, Cancer Fighters of Houston | |
| Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Award, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund | |
| Honoree, Education & Mentorship Advancement, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Welsh JA, Goberdhan D, O'Driscoll L, Buzas E, Blenkiron C, Bussolati B, Cai H, Di Vizio D, Driedonks T, Erdbrügger U, Falcon-Perez J, Fu Q, Hill AF, Lenassi M, Kiang S, Lim SK, Mahoney MG, Mohanty S, Möller A, Nieuwland R, Ochiya T, Sahoo S, Torrecilhas A, Zheng L, Zijlstra A, Bergese P, Bridges EM, Brucale M, Burger D, Carney RP, Cocozza F, Cocucci E, Colombo F, Crescitelli R, Hanser E, Harris AH, Haughey NJ, Hendrix A, Ivanov AR, Kruh-Garcia NA, Kyburz D, Lässer C, Lötvall J, Martens E, Mizenko RR, Newman LA, Ridolfi A, Rohde E, Rojalin T, Rowland A, Sandau U, Saugstad J, Shekari F, Swift S, Ter-Ovanesyan D, Tosar J, Useckaite Z, Valle F, van Herwijnen M, Wauben M, Wehman A, Williams S, Zendrini A, Zimmerman A, Consortium M, Théry C, Witwer KW. Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): from basic to advanced approaches. J Extracell Vesicles 13(None):e12451, 2024. PMID: 38326288.
- Lee W, Ko SY, Akasaka H, Weigert M, Lengyel E, Naora H. Neutrophil extracellular traps promote pre-metastatic niche formation in the omentum by expanding innate-like CD43+ B cells that express IL-10. Cancer Cell None(None):None. e-Pub 2024. PMID: None.
- Akasaka H, Lee W, Ko SY, Lengyel E, Naora H. Normal saline remodels the omentum and stimulates its receptivity for transcoelomic metastasis. JCI Insight 8(None):e167336, 2023. PMID: 37345662.
- Ko SY, Lee W, Weigert M, Jonasch E, Lengyel E, Naora H. The glycoprotein CD147 defines miRNA-enriched extracellular vesicles that derive from cancer cells. J Extracell Vesicles 12(4):e12318, 2023. PMID: 36973758.
- Ko SY, Lee W, Kenny HA, Dang LH, Ellis LM, Jonasch E, Lengyel E, Naora H. Cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles promote angiogenesis by heparin-bound, bevacizumab-insensitive VEGF, independent of vesicle uptake. Commun Biol 2(None):386, 2019. PMID: 31646189.
- Lee W, Ko SY, Mohamed MSE, Kenny HA, Lengyel E, Naora H. Neutrophils facilitate ovarian cancer pre-metastatic niche formation in the omentum. J Exp Med 216(1):176-194, 2019. PMID: 30567719.
- Trinh BQ, Barengo N, Kim SB, Lee JS, Zweidler-McKay PA, Naora H. The homeobox gene DLX4 regulates erythro-megakaryocytic differentiation by stimulating IL-1β and NF-κB signaling. J Cell Sci 128:3055-3067, 2015. PMID: 26208636.
- Trinh B, Ko SY, Haria D, Barengo N, Naora H. The homeoprotein DLX4 controls inducible nitric oxide synthase-mediated angiogenesis in ovarian cancer. Mol Cancer 14:e97, 2015. PMID: 25924901.
- Haria D, Trinh BQ, Ko SY, Barengo N, Liu J, Naora H. The homeoprotein DLX4 stimulates NF-κB activation and CD44-mediated tumor-mesothelial cell interactions in ovarian cancer. Am J Pathol 185(None):2298-2308, 2015. PMID: 26067154.
- Ko SY, Naora H. HOXA9 promotes homotypic and heterotypic cell interactions that facilitate ovarian cancer dissemination via its induction of P-cadherin. Mol Cancer 13:170-178, 2014. PMID: 25023983.
- Ko SY, Ladanyi A, Lengyel E, Naora H. Expression of the homeobox gene HOXA9 in ovarian cancer induces peritoneal macrophages to acquire an M2 tumor-promoting phenotype. Am J Pathol 184:271-281, 2014. PMID: 24332016.
- Usui A, Ko SY, Barengo N, Naora H. P-cadherin promotes ovarian cancer dissemination through tumor cell aggregation and tumor-peritoneum interactions. Mol Cancer Res 12:504-513, 2014. PMID: 24448686.
- Trinh BQ, Ko SY, Barengo N, Lin SY, Naora H. Dual functions of the homeoprotein DLX4 in modulating responsiveness of tumor cells to topoisomerase II-targeting drugs. Cancer Res 73:1000-1010, 2013. PMID: 23222298.
- Ko SY, Barengo N, Ladanyi A, Lee JS, Marini F, Lengyel E, Naora H. HOXA9 promotes ovarian cancer growth by stimulating cancer-associated fibroblasts. J Clin Invest 122:3603-3617, 2012. PMID: 22945634.
- Trinh BQ, Barengo N, Naora H. Homeodomain protein DLX4 counteracts key transcriptional control mechanisms of the TGF-β cytostatic program and blocks the antiproliferative effect of TGF-β. Oncogene 30:2718-2729, 2011. PMID: 21297662.
- Zheng J, Chang B, Yang G, Rosen DG, Mills GB, Naora H, Auersperg N, Malpica A, Liu J. Induction of high grade serous carcinoma in human ovarian surface epithelial cells using combined genetic elements and peritoneal microenvironment. Cell Cycle 9:140-145, 2010. PMID: 20016289.
- Ko SY, Lengyel E, Naora H. The Müllerian HOXA10 gene promotes growth of ovarian surface epithelial cells by stimulating epithelial-stromal interactions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 317:112-119, 2010. PMID: 20036708.
- Ko SY, Guo H, Barengo N, Naora H. Inhibition of ovarian cancer growth by a tumor-targeting peptide that binds eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E. Clin Cancer Res 15:4336-4347, 2009. PMID: 19458052.
- Hara F, Samuel S, Liu J, Rosen D, Langley RR, Naora H. A homeobox gene related to Drosophila Distal-less promotes ovarian tumorigenicity by inducing expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2. Am J Pathol 170:1595-1606, 2007. PMID: 17456765.
- Yoshida H, Broaddus R, Cheng W, Xie S, Naora H. Deregulation of the HOXA10 homeobox gene in endometrial carcinoma: Role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cancer Res 66:889-897, 2006. PMID: 16424022.
- Yoshida H, Liu J, Samuel S, Cheng W, Rosen D, Naora H. Steroid receptor coactivator-3, a homolog of Taiman that controls cell migration in the Drosophila ovary, regulates migration of human ovarian cancer cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 245:77-85, 2005. PMID: 16298470.
- Cheng W, Liu J, Yoshida H, Rosen D, Naora H. Lineage infidelity of epithelial ovarian cancers is controlled by HOX genes that specify regional identity in the reproductive tract. Nat Med 11:531-537, 2005. PMID: 15821746.
- Silver DL, Naora H, Liu J, Cheng W, Montell DJ. Activated signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3: localization in focal adhesions and function in ovarian cancer cell motility. Cancer Res 64:3550-3558, 2004. PMID: 15150111.
- Yoshida H, Cheng W, Hung J, Montell D, Geisbrecht E, Rosen D, Liu J, Naora H. Lessons from border cell migration in the Drosophila ovary: A role for myosin VI in dissemination of human ovarian cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 101:8144-8149, 2004. PMID: 15146066.
- Naora H, Yang Y, Montz FJ, Seidman JD, Kurman RJ, Roden RBS. A serologically identified tumor antigen encoded by a homeobox gene promotes growth of ovarian epithelial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:4060-4065, 2001. PMID: 11274429.
- Naora H, Montz FJ, C-Y C, Roden RBS. Aberrant expression of homeobox gene HOXA7 is associated with müllerian-like differentiation of epithelial ovarian tumors and the generation of a specific autologous antibody response. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:15209-15214, 2001. PMID: 11742062.
- Russell L, Naora H, Naora H. Down-regulated RPS3a/nbl expression during retinoid-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells: a close association with diminished susceptibility to actinomycin D-stimulated apoptosis. Cell Struct Func 25(None):103-113, 2000. PMID: 10885580.
- Naora H, Gougeon ML. Enhanced survival and potent expansion of the natural killer cell population of HIV-infected individuals by exogenous interleukin-15. Immunol Letts 68(None):359-367, 1999. PMID: 10424444.
- Naora H, Gougeon ML. Interleukin-15 is a potent survival factor in the prevention of spontaneous but not CD95-induced apoptosis in CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes of HIV-infected individuals. Correlation with its ability to increase bcl-2 expression. Cell Death Differentiation 6(None):1002-1011, 1999. PMID: 10556978.
- Naora H, Gougeon ML. Activation, survival and apoptosis of CD45RO+ and CD45RO- T cells of HIV-infected individuals: Effects of interleukin-15 and comparison with interleukin-2. Immunology 97(None):181-187, 1999. PMID: 10447730.
- Naora H, Seno S, Naora H. Regulation of tumor growth as a 'total mass' in mice: Apoptosis as a major mechanism in altering growth rates of single and multiple, co-existing tumor nodules. Pathol Int 48(None):730-738, 1998. PMID: 9778112.
- Naora H, Nishida T, Shindo Y, Adachi M, Naora H. Antisense sequences of the nbl gene induce apoptosis in the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. Leukemia 12(None):532-541, 1998. PMID: 9557612.
- Sorimachi K, Naora H, Akimoto K, Niwa A, Naora H. Multinucleation and preservation of nucleolar integrity of macrophages. Cell Biol Int 22(None):351-357, 1998. PMID: 10198155.
- Naora H, Takai I, Adachi M, Naora H. Altered cellular responses by varying expression of a ribosomal protein gene: Sequential coordination of enhancement and suppression of ribosomal protein S3a gene expression induces apoptosis. J Cell Biol 141(None):741-753, 1998. PMID: 9566973.
- Naora H, Nishida T, Shindo Y, Adachi M, Naora H. Constitutively enhanced nbl expression is associated with the induction of internucleosomal DNA cleavage by actinomycin D. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 224(None):258-264, 1996. PMID: 8694823.
- Naora H, Nishida T, Shindo Y, Adachi M, Naora H. Association of nbl gene expression and glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in mouse thymus in vivo. Immunology 85(None):63-68, 1995. PMID: 7635523.
- Minamide S, Naora H, Adachi M, Okano A, Naora H. Apoptosis as a mechanism of skin renewal: Ley-antigen expression is involved in an early event of a cell's commitment to apoptosis. Histochemistry 103(None):339-343, 1995. PMID: 7543813.
- Naora H, Young IG. Comparison of the mechanisms regulating IL-5, IL-4 and three other lymphokine genes in the Th2 clone D10.G4.1. Exp Hematol 23(None):597-602, 1995. PMID: 7601249.
- Naora H, Naora H. Differential expression patterns of β-actin mRNA in cells undergoing apoptosis. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 211(None):491-496, 1995. PMID: 7794260.
- Naora H, Young IG. Mechanisms regulating the mRNA levels of interleukin-5 and two other coordinately expressed lymphokines in the murine T lymphoma EL4.23. Blood 83(None):3620-3628, 1994. PMID: 8204886.
- Naora H, Altin JG, Young IG. TCR-dependent and -independent signaling mechanisms differentially regulate lymphokine gene expression in the murine T helper clone D10.G4.1. J Immunol 152(None):5691-5702, 1994. PMID: 7911489.
- Naora H, Van Leeuwen BH, Bourke PF, Young IG. Functional role and signal-induced modulation of proteins recognizing the conserved TCATTT-containing promoter elements in the murine IL-5 and GM-CSF genes in T lymphocytes. J Immunol 153(None):3466-3475, 1994. PMID: 7930569.
Invited Articles
- Ko SY, Lee W, Naora H. Harnessing microRNA-enriched extracellular vesicles for liquid biopsy. Front Mol Biosci 11(None):1356780, 2024. PMID: 38449696.
- Akasaka H, Naora H. Revisiting the use of normal saline for peritoneal washing in ovarian cancer. Int J Mol Sci 24(None):16449, 2023. PMID: 38003636.
- Ko SY, Naora H. Extracellular vesicle membrane-associated proteins: emerging roles in tumor angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis therapy resistance. Int J Mol Sci 21:5418, 2020. PMID: 32751440.
- Lee W, Naora H. Neutrophils fertilize the pre-metastatic niche. Aging 11:6624-6625, 2019. PMID: 31509520.
- Ko SY, Naora H. Therapeutic strategies for targeting the ovarian tumor stroma. World J Clin Cases 2:194-200, 2014. PMID: 24945005.
- Ko SY, Naora H. Adaptation of ovarian cancer cells to the peritoneal environment: Multiple mechanisms of the developmental patterning gene HOXA9. Cancer Cell Microenv 1:e379, 2014. PMID: 26000332.
- Naora H. Heterotypic cellular interactions in the ovarian tumor microenvironment: Biological significance and therapeutic implications. Front Oncol 4:18-24, 2014. PMID: 24567915.
- Haria D, Naora H. Homeobox gene deregulation: Impact on the hallmarks of cancer. Cancer Hallm 1:67-76, 2013. PMID: 24761365.
- Naora H. A peptide-based approach to inhibit the translational machinery in tumors. Chemistry Today 28:26-28, 2010. PMID: None.
- Naora H. The heterogeneity of epithelial ovarian cancers: reconciling old and new paradigms. Expert Rev Mol Med 9:1-12, 2007. PMID: 17477890.
- Naora H, Montell DJ. Ovarian cancer metastasis: Integrating insights from disparate model organisms. Nat Rev Cancer 5:355-366, 2005. PMID: 15864277.
- Naora H. Developmental patterning in the wrong context: The paradox of epithelial ovarian cancers. Cell Cycle 4:86-88, 2005. PMID: 16082202.
- Samuel S, Naora H. Homeobox gene expression in cancer: Insights from developmental regulation and deregulation. Eur J Cancer 41:2428-2437, 2005. PMID: 16199152.
- Gougeon ML, Ledru E, Naora H, Bocchino M, Lecoeur H. HIV, cytokines and programmed cell death. A subtle interplay. Ann NY Acad Sci 926(None):30-45, 2000. PMID: 11193039.
- Naora H, Naora H. Involvement of ribosomal proteins in regulating cell growth and apoptosis: Translational modulation or recruitment for extraribosomal activity?. Immunol Cell Biol 77(None):197-205, 1999. PMID: 10361251.
Book Chapters
- Naora H. Heterotypic cellular interactions in the ovarian tumor microenvironment. In: Advances in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Model Systems, Microenvironmental Influences, Therapy & Origins. None. Frontiers, 2016.
- Trinh BQ, Naora H. Homeobox genes and their functional significance in ovarian tumorigenesis. In: Ovarian Cancer: Basic Science Perspective. None. In-Tech Publishing, 2012.
- Hennessy BT, Carey M, Naora H, Mills GB. Ovarian Cancer: Molecular, Cellular and Clinical Biology. In: Ovarian Cancer: State of the Art. None. Remedica Medical Education & Publishing, 2008.
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2003. Myosin VI is a potential target in aggressive ovarian cancers. Conference. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2002. Homeobox genes in epithelial ovarian neoplasia: Roles in aberrant differentiation and enhanced growth (Keynote speaker). Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
National Presentations
- 2024. Cell dynamics in the omentum: Insights into pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis prevention. Invited. Sioux Falls, SD, US.
- 2023. CD147 defines miRNA-enriched extracellular vesicles that derive from cancer cells. Conference. Seattle, WA, US.
- 2023. Identification of miRNA-enriched extracellular vesicles that derive from cancer cells: Implications for liquid biopsy. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Impact of peritoneal lavage on omentum immune cell dynamics and metastasis. Conference. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2018. Tumor-induced neutrophil extracellular traps promote formation of the pre-metastatic niche. Conference. Breckenridge, CO, US.
- 2017. Neutrophils fertilize the pre-metastatic omental niche in ovarian cancer,. Conference. Washington, DC, US.
- 2017. Cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles stimulate tumor angiogenesis by delivering VEGF to endothelial cells. Conference. Washington, DC, US.
- 2016. Transcriptional dysregulation of megakaryopoiesis and erythropoiesis: Implications for the tumor microenvironment. Conference. Breckenridge, CO, US.
- 2016. Transcriptional control of inflammatory signaling in the megakaryocyte and erythroid lineages: Implications for the tumor microenvironment. Conference. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2016. Transcriptional control of inflammatory signaling in the megakaryocyte and erythroid lineages. Conference. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2015. The homeobox gene DLX4 stimulates inducible nitric oxide synthase-mediated angiogenesis in ovarian cancer. Conference. Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2015. The homeobox gene DLX4 promotes inflammatory signaling and peritoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer. Conference. Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2013. DLX4 induces topoisomerase IIalpha expression but reduces sensitivity of tumor cells to topoisomerase II poisons. Conference. Washington, DC, US.
- 2013. The homeobox gene HOXA9 promotes ovarian cancer growth via paracrine effects on mesenchymal stem cells and peritoneal fibroblasts. Conference. Washington, DC, US.
- 2011. The homeobox patterning gene DLX4 confers resistance to transforming growth factor-beta signaling in tumors. Conference. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2009. Novel function of homeobox gene DLX4 in regulating tumor angiogenesis. Conference. Denver, CO, US.
- 2009. Ovarian cancer: Development gone wrong. Invited. Denver, CO, US.
- 2009. A peptide-based therapeutic approach to inhibit the translational machinery in tumors. Invited. Boulder, CO, US.
- 2009. Anti-tumor activity of a tumor-targeting peptide that binds eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E. Conference. Denver, CO, US.
- 2007. A homeobox gene related to Drosophila Distal-less promotes ovarian tumorigenicity by inducing expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2. Conference. Los Angeles, CA, US.
- 2005. Insights into human ovarian cancer from developmental pathways delineated in Drosophila. Invited. Washington, DC, US.
- 2004. The homeobox gene HOXA10 regulates growth and invasive properties of endometrial carcinomas. Conference. Orlando, FL, US.
- 2004. Inhibiting the motor protein myosin VI impedes ovarian cancer cell migration. Conference. Orlando, FL, US.
- 2004. Identification of novel mediators of ovarian cancer metastasis by utilizing genetic analysis of border cell migration in Drosophila. Conference. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2003. Myosin VI expression is associated with invasive, migratory behavior of ovarian carcinoma,. Conference. Washington, DC, US.
International Presentations
- 2024. Harnessing cancer-derived, miRNA-enriched extracellular vesicles for liquid biopsy (Virtual). Invited. London, GB.
- 2023. Cell dynamics in the omentum: Insights into metastasis prevention. Invited. Daegu, KR.
- 2020. An uptake-independent mechanism of extracellular vesicles in tumor-stroma interactions and anti-angiogenic therapy resistance. Conference. Victoria, CA.
- 2020. Immune cell dynamics in omental milky spots during pre-metastatic niche formation. Conference. Victoria, CA.
- 2019. Declined due to medical reasons. Invited. Singapore, SG.
- 2017. Declined due to medical reasons. Invited. Barcelona, ES.
- 2016. Declined due to medical reasons. Invited. Athens, GR.
- 2013. Declined due to medical reasons. Invited. Dalian, CN.
- 2013. The homeobox gene HOXA9 promotes ovarian cancer growth via paracrine effects on mesenchymal stem cells and peritoneal fibroblasts,. Conference. Banff, CA.
- 2012. Homeobox genes: Molecular linkage between embryonic development and cancer. Invited. Quebec City, CA.
- 2011. Homeobox gene HOXA9 promotes progression of ovarian carcinoma by inducing a switch to P-cadherin. Conference. Vancouver, CN.
- 2011. Blockade of transforming growth factor-beta signaling in tumors by the homeobox patterning gene DLX4. Conference. Vancouver, CA.
- 2009. Novel function of homeobox gene DLX4 in regulating tumor angiogenesis. Conference. Beijing, CN.
- 2009. Targeting post-transcription in tumor cells: A peptide-based therapeutic approach to inhibit the translational machinery. Conference. Killarney, IE.
- 2008. Homeobox genes: Linking embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. Invited. Innsbruck, AT.
- 2007. Homeobox genes: Molecular links between cell lineage determination and tumor heterogeneity. Invited. Frauenchiemsee,, DE.
- 2006. Why do we have different histotypes of ovarian cancer?. Invited. Beijing, CN.
- 2006. The paradox of epithelial ovarian cancer: Developmental patterning in the wrong context. Invited. Birmingham, GB.
Formal Peers
- 2024. Insights into the grant review process, US.
- 2024. Identification of cancer-derived, miRNA-enriched EVs: Implications for liquid biopsy. Nashville, TN, US.
- 2023. Cell dynamics and inflammatory signaling in the omentum: Insights into pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis prevention. Invited. Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center Symposium, Ewha Womans University. Seoul, KR.
- 2023. Cell dynamics in the omentum: Insights into metastasis prevention. Invited. Wayne State University, Mott Center for Human Growth and Development Seminar Series. Detroit, MI, US.
- 2023. The glycoprotein CD147 defines miRNA-enriched extracellular vesicles that derive from cancer cells. Invited. EVClub (Intra-institutional virtual seminar series of the International Society of Extracellular Vesicles, organized by Johns Hopkins University), US.
- 2022. How to achieve grant proposal success, US.
- 2018. TBA (cancelled due to medical reasons). Invited. University of Houston, Biology and Biochemistry Seminar Series. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Regulation of tumor-stroma interactions by homeobox genes, US.
- 2015. Regulation of tumor-stroma interactions by homeobox patterning genes. Invited. University of Chicago, Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2014. Homeobox gene-mediated control of the erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages, US.
- 2014. Regulation of cell signaling by homeobox genes: Implications for hematologic malignancies, US.
- 2013. Control of the tumor microenvironment by lineage-specification genes (cancelled due to medical reasons). Invited. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Womens Cancer Program Seminar Series. Los Angeles, CA, US.
- 2013. Control of the tumor microenvironment by lineage-specification genes. Invited. Virginia Commonwealth University, Human & Molecular Genetics Seminar Series. Richmond, VA, US.
- 2012. Control of the tumor microenvironment by lineage-specification genes, US.
- 2012. Research updates, US.
- 2012. Career Development: Finding and utilizing opportunities, US.
- 2012. Developmental control of the ovarian tumor microenvironment. Invited. Southern Illinois University, Physiology Seminar Series. Carbondale, IL, US.
- 2012. Developmental control of the ovarian tumor microenvironment, US.
- 2012. Control of the tumor microenvironment by lineage-specification genes, US.
- 2011. Homeobox genes in ovarian cancer: Development "gone wrong". Invited. University of California San Diego, Reproductive Medicine Seminar Series. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2011. Research program overview, US.
- 2009. A peptide-based therapeutic approach to inhibit the translational machinery in tumors. Invited. Roche Corporation. Nutley, NJ, US.
- 2009. Translating studies of translation: A peptide-based therapeutic approach to inhibit protein synthesis in tumors. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2007. Homeobox genes: Molecular links between cell lineage determination and tumor heterogeneity, US.
- 2007. Homeobox genes: Linking embryonic development with cancer. Invited. The Australian National University, John Curtin School of Medical Research Seminar Series. Canberra, AU.
- 2007. Homeobox genes: Molecular links between cell lineage determination and tumor behavior, US.
- 2007. Homeobox genes: Molecular links between cell lineage determination and tumor heterogeneity. Invited. Mayo Clinic, Women's Cancer Program Seminar Series. Rochester, MI, US.
- 2006. Homeobox genes: Linking developmental plasticity with tumor heterogeneity and behavior. Invited. Queen Mary School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of London, GB.
- 2006. Homeobox genes: Linking developmental plasticity with tumor heterogeneity and behavior. Invited. Imperial College. London, GB.
- 2006. Insights into the heterogeneity and behavior of gynecologic cancers from the developmental plasticity of the female reproductive tract. Invited. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Molecular Pathology Seminar Series. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2006. Homeobox gene deregulation in gynecologic cancers: Paradox or paradigm?. Invited. Brigham and Women's Hospital, Pathology Grand Rounds. Boston, MA, US.
- 2006. Deregulation of pathways that control developmental patterning of the reproductive tract: Role in tumor histogenesis and progression. Invited. University of Texas Medical Branch, Cell Biology Seminar Series. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2006. Deregulation of pathways that control developmental patterning of the reproductive tract: Insights into tumor histogenesis and tumor behavior. Invited. Massachusetts General Hospital, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology Seminar Series. Boston, MA, US.
- 2006. Multi-faceted roles of homeobox genes in tumor progression and tumor behavior, US.
- 2005. Role of deregulated embryonic pathways in ovarian tumorigenesis and tumor behavior, US.
- 2005. The paradox of epithelial ovarian cancer: Developmental patterning in the wrong context. Invited. Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Seminar Series. Boston, MA, US.
- 2005. The paradox of ovarian cancers: Developmental patterning in the wrong context, US.
- 2003. Developmental plasticity of the female reproductive tract: Implications for ovarian cancer, US.
- 2003. Application of developmental pathways in lower organisms to gynecologic cancers: New paradigms of histogenesis and implications for therapy,. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2002. Role of homeobox genes in ovarian neoplasia: Mechanisms and applications, US.
- 2002. Histogenesis of ovarian cancers: Role of homeobox genes that define tissue identity in the primordial reproductive tract, US.
Grant & Contract Support
| Title: | Boosting anti-tumor immunity in the omentum for metastasis prevention |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Prevention of omental metastasis of ovarian cancer by targeting a linkage between innate and adaptive immunity |
| Funding Source: | DOD/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (DOD/CDMRP) |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Isolation of miRNA-rich extracellular vesicles for liquid biopsy |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Pre-metastatic omental niche formation in ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Impact of aging on metastatic competence of the omentum |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Invigorating ovarian cancer immunity through blockade of a neutrophil-mesothelial Axis |
| Funding Source: | DOD/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (DOD/CDMRP) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Title: | Deciphering and targeting age-related metastatic competence of the omentum |
| Funding Source: | CPRIT |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Impact of diagnostic peritoneal lavage on omentum metastasis |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Targeting metastasis-promoting fibrosis in ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | HERA Ovarian Cancer Foundation |
| Role: | Mentor |
| Title: | Mechanism of evasion by ovarian cancers from anti-VEGF therapy |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Transcriptional control of leukemic evolution in primary myelofibrosis |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Stromal interactions and leukemic risk in myelodysplastic syndromes |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Transcriptional dysregulation in primary myelofibrosis |
| Funding Source: | MD Anderson Institutional Research Grant |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Biomarkers for differential diagnosis of primary myelofibrosis |
| Funding Source: | Mike Hogg Fund |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | SPORE in Leukemia Development Research Award |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Principal Investigator (Development Award) |
| Title: | Control of cross-talk between ovarian cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Control of fibroblasts associated with ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | MD Anderson Cancer Center Institutional Research Grant |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Multifunctional roles of homeobox gene DLX4 in ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Consortium Award: A fresh approach to identification and characterization of early stages of disease associated with ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | DOD/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (DOD/CDMRP) |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| Title: | Design and evaluation of novel peptides that block the protein synthetic machinery and target ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | MD Anderson Cancer Center Institutional Research Grant |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Role of a novel homeobox gene BP1 in ovarian tumorigenesis and tumor behavior |
| Funding Source: | DOD/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (DOD/CDMRP) |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | HOX genes in ovarian neoplasia |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Antibodies to homeobox proteins to detect ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | A serum test to detect cellular changes in women at risk of developing ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Fighters of Houston, Inc |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Histogenesis of epithelial ovarian tumors: Role of HOX genes that define tissue identity in the primordial female reproductive tract |
| Funding Source: | DOD/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (DOD/CDMRP) |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Cell migration in the Drosophila ovary as a model for ovarian cancer metastasis: Role of AIB1 in invasive, migratory behavior |
| Funding Source: | Ovarian Cancer Research Fund |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | A role for caudal-related homeobox genes in the intestinal phenotype of ovarian cancers |
| Funding Source: | MD Anderson Cancer Center Institutional Research Grant |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Ovarian SPORE Development Award: Targeting mediators of ovarian cancer metastasis by applying a cross-species approach |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI, Development Award |
| Title: | Identification of novel serum biomarkers for early detection of ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Research Foundation of America |
| Role: | PI |
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified December 20, 2024