Image

Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory Team - December, 2021

The Cancer & Developmental Biology Laboratory (CDBL) is a collaborative, basic science-driven research community leveraging multi-disciplinary approaches to advance the understanding of developmental processes that inform human health and disease. Our research teams use a variety of animal models to decipher mechanisms underlying self-renewal and potency regulation, growth control, cell fate specification and differentiation, patterning, polarity, cell migration, and tissue morphogenesis, with an emphasis on understanding how intercellular and inter-organ signaling orchestrate these processes. CDBL researchers study developmental processes in different life cycle stages, from embryogenesis to adulthood, and different physiological contexts, including tissue development, postnatal tissue homeostasis, regeneration and repair following injury, and cancer disease models. In-depth mechanistic studies are conducted to obtain a clear picture of normal developmental processes and their regulation; comparative approaches and disease models are invoked to determine whether dysregulation of developmental processes is causative for cancer initiation or necessary for cancer progression and metastasis. 

CDBL laboratories capitalize on the interactive and unique research environment of the NIH Intramural Program, and members take advantage of well-supported core facilities and cutting-edge technology centers in Frederick and Bethesda, MD. Moving forward, CDBL will expand to include new multidisciplinary research programs in the areas of stem cell biology and cell signaling, both topics highly relevant to cancer biology with the potential to inform the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutics.  

CDBL Faculty are invested in trainee mentorship, scientific support and continued education, professional development, and well-being. Through our collaborative research programs, community seminars, and outreach activities, we are dedicated to creating a stimulating and inclusive environment where trainees from all backgrounds can grow and thrive. Please visit CDBL Principal Investigator pages to learn more about our research programs, and training and employment opportunities:

Jairaj K. Acharya, MBBS, Ph.D. – Head, Sphingolipid and Phospholipid Signaling Section

Ira O. Daar, Ph.D. – Head, Developmental Signal Transduction Section

Erin L. Davies, Ph.D. - Head, Potency and Developmental Plasticity Section

Mark B. Lewandoski, Ph.D. – Head, Genetics of Vertebrate Development Section

Susan Mackem, M.D., Ph.D. – Head, Regulation of Vertebrate Morphogenesis Section

Terry P. Yamaguchi, Ph.D. – Head, Cell Signaling in Vertebrate Development Section

Terren Niethamer, Ph.D. - Head, Regenerative Plasticity and Signaling Section