Guangwen "Gary" Ren, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
To study tumor microenvironment and tumor immunology in cancer therapeutic resistance and metastatic relapse
My group mainly focuses on elucidating how mesenchymal lineage cells (mesenchymal stem cells and fibroblasts) and immune-regulatory myeloid cells (neutrophils and macrophages) modulate the adaptive immune responses in cancer treatment resistance and metastatic relapse. These studies will fully take advantage of the unique research platform--patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors in humanized mouse models at The Jackson Laboratory, with the research goal to develop novel strategies targeting tumor microenvironment to improve the efficacies of conventional cancer therapies and new therapeutics such as immunotherapy.
Education and experience
Education
Princeton University
Postdoctoral Associate
Advisor: Dr. Yibin Kang
2012-2014
Rutgers University
Ph.D., Immunology
Advisor: Dr. Yufang Shi
2004-2009
Experience
The Jackson Laboratory
Assistant Professor
10/2016-present
Tufts University School of Medicine
Assistant Professor (joint appointment)
07/2017-present
University of Maine Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering
Graduate Faculty Member
01/2017-present
Princeton University
Associate Research Scholar
2014-2016
Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Research Teaching Specialist III
2009-2012
Grants, awards and accomplishments
2020 NIH/NCI The Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) (R37) Award
2018 DoD Breast Cancer Research Program Breakthrough Award
2014 NIH/NCI K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
2013 DoD Breast Cancer Research Program Postdoctoral Fellowship Award
2011 AAI (American Association of Immunologists) Meeting Trainee Abstract Award
2010 AAI (American Association of Immunologists) Meeting Trainee Abstract Award
2009 Best Poster Presentation Award for 5th International Conference on Mesenchymal and
non-Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Austin, TX, USA
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Press ReleaseDecember 19, 2023JAX's 2023 achievements
JAX is celebrating important research breakthroughs, new faculty and leadership appointments, and crucial advancements in legislation. -
Featured ArticleDecember 01, 2022Brooks Scholar Award propels cancer and aging research
Recipients of the 2022 Brooks Scholar Award represent a new generation of scientists whose research bridges the fields of cancer and aging. -
Search MagazineOctober 19, 2021Five ways scientists are taking the fight to cancer
In this article, we examine the different ways cancer escalates the conflicts within our bodies, and how scientists are leveraging the incredible power of genetics and genomics to disarm it. -
Research HighlightSeptember 21, 2020Fueling cancer metastasis
New JAX research shows that inhibiting neutrophil lipid accumulation could provide a valuable anti-metastatic therapy target for cancer patients.
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Research HighlightFebruary 23, 2023Investigating the roles of mesenchymal cells in lung metastasis of breast cancer
Research from the Ren Lab examines the roles for mesenchymal cells in lung metastasis of breast cancer. -
Research HighlightAugust 01, 2022Researching facilitators of cancer metastasis
Guangwen “Gary” Ren's new research shows that the structural cells in the lung (fibroblasts) drive myeloid cell dysfunction to create a more welcoming environment for metastatic cancer. -
Search MagazineJuly 20, 2021Derailing cancer metastasis
Metastatic cancer is the most dangerous and remains the most lethal. -
Research HighlightSeptember 01, 2020Immune cell interactions affect cancer metastasis
Dual roles of neutrophils in metastatic colonization are governed by the host NK cell status