Jackson Laboratory

The Ren Lab

Principal Investigator: Guangwen "Gary" Ren, Ph.D.

The Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, ME

Contact me at: 207-288-6783

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To study tumor microenvironment and tumor immunology in cancer therapeutic resistance and metastatic relapse

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.

Full Scientific Report

The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center

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Open Positions

Job	Job Title	Location	Description

Lab Staff

Li Hua, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate

Stromal cells may provide a positive or negative role in modulating the immunotherapy.
Peishan Li, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate

Dissecting the Roles of MSC and Adipocytes in Cancer Metastasis
Guangwen "Gary" Ren, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

To study tumor microenvironment and tumor immunology in cancer therapeutic resistance and metastatic relapse.

Selected Publications

Highlighted Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), also called multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, exist in almost all tissues and are a key cell source for tissue repair and regeneration. Under pathological conditions, such as tissue injury, these cells are mobilized towards the site of damage. Tissue damage is usually accompanied by proinflammatory factors, produced by both innate and adaptive immune responses, to which MSCs are known to respond. Indeed, recent studies have shown that there are bidirectional interactions between MSCs and inflammatory cells, which determine the outcome of MSC-mediated tissue repair processes. Although many details of these interactions remain to be elucidated, we provide here a synthesis of the current status of this newly emerging and rapidly advancing field.

View full list of publications

Research HighlightJanuary 16, 2019
The rapid evolution of cancer cells under attack
JAX Associate Professor Jeff Chuang tracks the effects of chemotherapy on different subpopulations of cancer cells. The results indicate ways to improve therapy administration in human patients.
Press ReleaseDecember 27, 2018
New Alzheimer's mouse models give insight into how human diversity affects disease onset
A new genetically diverse mouse population is opening possibilities for translational research into Alzheimer’s disease that accurately recreates human disease symptoms and progression.
Research HighlightDecember 03, 2018
Hibernating bears provide clues for kidney regeneration
JAX researcher Ron Korstanje is closer to understanding exactly how bear kidneys recover from the damage caused by hibernation.
Press ReleaseNovember 13, 2018
V Foundation funds JAX cancer research for third straight year
Armed with new funding from the V Foundation, Olga Anczuków-Camarda is uncovering genetic changes in the breast, paving the road to early cancer detection and prevention.

Press ReleaseJanuary 09, 2019
Linking therapy to an asthma-driving molecule
Armed with a $2.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, JAX Assistant Professor Adam Williams, Ph.D., is studying the role of molecules called long, non-coding RNAs in asthma.
Research HighlightDecember 14, 2018
Gene knockdown induces deficits reminiscent of aging and Alzheimer's
JAX researchers find that reducing Hp1bp3 expression mimics age-related cognitive decline through mechanisms reminiscent of aging and Alzheimer's disease
Blog PostNovember 27, 2018
Efficient and effective methods to use family history data for risk assessment
As 1 in 10 people are at increased risk for cancer, but often go undetected, knowing who these people are can lead to personalized management and better health outcomes.
- Cancer/Tumors
- Cancer
Blog PostOctober 31, 2018
Can we do a better job of preserving fertility and ovarian function for young breast cancer survivors?
Young women with a new cancer diagnosis are faced with a number of challenges. These patients (and their providers) are often anxious to begin treatment right away. The problem is that many young women haven’t started or completed their families at the time of their diagnosis.