Tien Laboratory
About
We actively pursue new drug combination clinical trials for brain tumor patients. The newly developed Phase 0 platform combined with precision medicine allows us to understand pharmacodynamic endpoints in the tumor, providing insights for overcoming the brain-blood barrier and drug target inhibition. The newly established Ivy Pharmacodynamics Core is CLIA-certified where our assays and biosamples are validated and carefully monitored to provide trustworthy clinical quality results. Our long-term goal is to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying glioma formation, thereby speeding current drug discovery processes for glioma treatment in patients.
Current Research
Some of the ongoing projects are focused on addressing following:
- Biomarker and genomic analyses with next generation sequencing (IvySeq) to provide personalized enrollment recommendation.
- Pharmacodynamic analysis to assess treatment response and target modulation.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms of targeted inhibitors underlying disease progression.
Lab Members
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Anita DeSantisResearch Technician
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Jennifer MolloyResearch Technician
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Alexis RatliffResearch Technician
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Casaundra KrobResearch Technician
Publications
- Tien et al., A Phase 0 Trial of Ribociclib in Recurrent Glioblastoma Patients Incorporating a Tumor Pharmacodynamic- and Pharmacokinetic-Guided Expansion Cohort. July 8, 2019.
- Griveau et al., A glial signature and Wnt7 signaling regulates glioma-vascular interactions and tumor microenvironment Cancer Cell April 19, 2018.
- Zhou et al., A sequentially priming phosphorylation cascade activates the gliomagenic transcription factor Olig2 Cell Reports April 18, 2017.
- Kupp et al., Lineage-restricted Olig2-RTK signaling governs the molecular subtype of glioma stem-like cells September 13, 2016.
- Tsai et al., Oligodendrocyte precursors migrate along vasculature in the developing nervous system. January 22, 2016.
- Yang et al., Rapamycin ameliorates age-dependent obesity associated with increased mTOR signaling in hypothalamic POMC neurons. August 9, 2012.
- Tien et al., Temporal-spatial regulation of astrocyte precursor cell proliferation by BRAF signaling in mammalian spinal cord. July 2012.
- Sun et al., Phosphorylation state of Olig2 regulates proliferation of neural progenitor. March 10, 2011.
Resources
JOB OPENINGS
Postdoctoral Fellow-PD
We are currently recruiting a highly motivated and driven Postdoctoral Fellow, preferably a recent graduate (Ph.D., M.D., DVM), to join our PD Laboratory team. A background in the field of Cancer Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Neurobiology, or Molecular and Cellular Biology will be considered. Prior experience in conducting drug treatment studies and knowledge of signal transduction pathways is preferred.
Research Technician I – PD
The Ivy Brain Tumor Center is currently recruiting a highly motivated and driven research technician, (B.S. or M.S.) to join our pharmacodynamics lab focusing on cutting edge Phase 0/II clinical trials for glioblastoma at BNI. Candidates with experience in preclinical studies are desirable. Prior experience in conducting molecular biology or genetic assays and knowledge of signal transduction and oncogenic pathways is preferred.