Matthew Dean

My research focuses on designing innovative therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer, with a particular emphasis on exploiting the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the unique vulnerabilities of cancer cells. I am specifically investigating logic-gated therapeutics that leverage the acidic pH of the TME to selectively target and kill cancer cells, while minimizing damage to normal tissues. This approach harnesses the biochemical properties of the TME, allowing for a more tailored and effective treatment of colorectal cancer, a disease that often shows resistance to conventional therapies.

A key aspect of my work is to better understand the mechanisms that confer resistance to pH-related stress in cancer cells. Many cancer cells exhibit adaptations that allow them to survive in the acidic TME, and understanding these adaptive pathways is critical for developing strategies to overcome this resistance. Additionally, I am exploring how infiltrating immune cells, which are crucial for an effective antitumor response, are impacted by the pH of the TME. These cells, such as T cells and macrophages, often exhibit compromised functionality in acidic conditions, which contributes to immune evasion by the tumor. I aim to design new immunotherapy strategies that not only enhance immune cell function under acidic conditions but also promote a more robust and sustained antitumor immune response.

A particularly exciting aspect of my research involves studying the role of lactylation, a recently discovered post-translational modification, in cancer biology. Lactylation, which is influenced by the metabolic and pH changes within the TME, may play a critical role in regulating the functions of both cancer cells and immune cells. By deciphering the mechanisms underlying lactylation and its impact on cellular processes such as metabolism, inflammation, and immune response, I seek to uncover new therapeutic targets and improve the efficacy of both targeted and immune-based treatments for colorectal cancer.

Overall, my goal is to leverage these distinct yet interconnected areas of cancer biology to develop more effective, precise, and personalized therapeutic approaches for colorectal cancer, with a focus on overcoming pH-related challenges and immune suppression within the TME.