Specific Aim 1: We will develop novel organismal, cellular, and computational models of cancer

Diverse models of cancer and novel technologies for investigating cancer biology are critical to support the basic research goals of JAXCC investigators. JAXCC members have distinguished records of developing models, methods, and resources in support of the research program that have had far-reaching impact on cancer research globally. We leverage these resources and model systems as platforms to engage in collaborations with clinical researchers. In ongoing and future work, we will:

Build and characterize a resource of Patient-Derived-Xenograft (PDX) models of human cancer for use of our own members and the larger scientific community. Further innovate in vivo models—including genetic humanization of immunodeficient mice to overcome their limitations for research into immuno-oncology. Expand our complementary in vitro models to support multiscale investigation into cancer biology, including studies on the functional consequences of genomic alterations

JAXCC members working in this area include: Olga Anczuków, Jacques Banchereau, Carol Bult, Jeff Chuang, Ching Lau, Charles Lee,Ed Liu, Karolina Palucka, Gary Ren, Paul Robson, Dave Serreze, Lenny Shultz, and Roel Verhaak.

Develop and characterize genetically defined mouse populations and mutant strains for use in identifying mechanisms underlying the effects of genomic variation and genetic alterations on biological processes relevant to cancer. Work in this area includes novel approaches for efficient genetic engineering of the mouse genome, as well as use of genetically heterogeneous mouse populations such as the Collaborative Cross and Diversity Outbred mice and software resources for analysis of data generated using them. 

JAXCC members working in this area include: David Bergstrom, Robert Braun, Albert Cheng, Gary Churchill, Elissa Chesler, Steve Murray, Laura Reinholdt, Julia Oh, Luanne Peters, Derry Roopenian, John Sundberg, Jen Trowbridge, Julie Wells, and Michael Wiles.

Develop new computational resources and algorithms for integration, analysis, and interpretation of large, heterogeneous biological data sets generated from in vivo and in vitro model systems.

JAXCC members working in this area include: Jacques Banchereau, Judith Blake, Molly Bogue, Carol Bult, Greg Carter, Elissa Chesler, Jeff Chuang, Gary Churchill, Mary Dolan, James Kadin, Krishna Karuturi, Sheng Li,  Joel Richardson, Martin Ringwald, John Sundberg, Duygu Ucar, and Roel Verhaak.