The Ren Lab
To study tumor microenvironment and tumor immunology in cancer therapeutic resistance and metastatic relapse
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OUR RESEARCH FOCUS
The Ren 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.
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Featured ArticleMay 04, 2022Putting machine learning to work for cancer patients
A research team at JAX is boosting the speed and accuracy of tumor sample image analysis, for multiple cancer types, offering the potential for more targeted treatment direction without additional testing. -
Research HighlightApril 27, 2022Researching innate immune cells and metastatic cancer
Using sophisticated labeling methods, a team led by Professor Karolina Palucka, M.D., Ph.D., and Jan Martinek, Ph.D., analyzed patient samples of metastatic melanoma for further insight into how cancer cells are able to escape immune response and grow elsewhere in the body. -
Blog PostApril 07, 2022New Fellowship at JAX to Unravel the Complexities Between Aging and Cancer
It’s been long recognized that aging is the single biggest risk factor for cancer and that age impacts treatment response. Research is urgently needed to develop a mechanistic understanding of the influence of aging on tumor initiation, progression and tumor response. -
Research HighlightJanuary 26, 2022The consequences of alternative splicing in breast cancer
JAX researchers used long-read mRNA sequencing to catalog all mRNAs in primary breast cancer samples and revealed previously undocumented mRNA isoforms that can change protein function and may contribute to cancer progression and therapy response.
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Press ReleaseMay 03, 2022JAX announces 2022 recipients of the JAX Scholar awards
The Jackson Laboratory is proud to announce the 2022 recipients of the JAX Postdoctoral Scholar award. Eric Bogenschutz, Jayna Mistry, and Kwondo Kim represent forward-thinking research, proven leadership, and engagement with the scientific community. -
Research HighlightApril 20, 2022Fibroblasts may hold the keys to regeneration
New research from JAX indicates that fibroblasts may hold the ability to jump start human tissue repair and regeneration capabilities. -
Featured ArticleFebruary 01, 2022MCGI: A 'game changer' for cancer patients
The Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative is raising awareness of, and access to, advanced genomic treatments all across Maine. -
Research HighlightDecember 13, 2021Examining the immune response to cancer on a genetic level
The V Foundation for Cancer Research has awarded a grant to JAX's Lucas Chang for genetic studies of the immune response to cancer.