Velocity Fellows Receive Pilot Grants to Accelerate Progress in Cancer Research
Four Columbia University faculty members have been named as 2024 Velocity Fellows and awarded pilot grants to support their early-stage cancer research. The awards, a one-year $90,000 grant, are made possible by proceeds from Velocity, Columbia’s annual cycling fundraiser benefitting the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) at New York Presbyterian /Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
The new Velocity Fellows are: Francesca Bartolini, PhD, associate professor of pathology and cell biology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S); Rolando Perez-Lorenzo, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology at VP&S and member of the HICCC Tumor Biology and Microenvironment program; Safa Elkefi, PhD, project manager, Columbia University School of Nursing; and Xiao Zhao, MD, MS, assistant professor of medicine at VP&S.
Velocity: Columbia's Ride to End Cancer: The Velocity Ride is held each year, bringing together patients, clinicians, researchers, family members, and supporters, and 100% of funds raised support life-changing research and expert patient care at the HICCC.
The fundraiser celebrates eight years of impact in 2024, resulting in over 4,500 participants, more than 73,000 miles covered, and over $8 million raised supporting 28 Velocity Fellows.
The Winning Projects:
“The INF2/mDia Axis: Pioneering a Path to Novel Therapies for SHH-Medulloblastoma”
Lead Investigator: Francesca Bartolini, PhD
Co-Investigators: Robert Wechsler-Reya, PhD, professor of neurological sciences
Medulloblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor in children, makes up 15-20% of pediatric brain tumors and leads to significant cancer-related deaths. The most common type of this cancer is Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)-dependent medulloblastoma, which involves mutations in critical genes involved in the SHH signaling pathway. Despite its prevalence, the exact mechanisms driving this cancer are not fully understood, making treatment challenging. Recent findings suggest that a protein called inverted formin-2 (INF2) may negatively regulate SHH signaling, which could help control tumor growth. Research into how INF2 interacts with another formin protein, mDia, could also reveal new ways to target and treat SHH-dependent medulloblastoma.
“Skin aging and health disparities in acral lentiginous melanoma”
Lead Investigator: Rolando Perez-Lorenzo, PhD
Co-Investigators: Hasan Abaci, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology, Alejandro Gru, MD, professor of dermatology
Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a serious skin cancer mostly diagnosed in older populations that occurs at higher rates and with worse outcomes for people of color. While the reasons for this disparity are not fully understood, aging and epigenetic changes might play a role. Older skin, particularly in Black/African individuals, may accumulate cells that create an environment promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Researchers will investigate how these skin changes and immune responses vary across different racial groups and how they affect ALM progression. This study aims to uncover new treatment targets and help reduce health disparities in ALM and other cancers.
“EveryBreathMatters: A virtual reality intervention to enhance treatment preparedness among lung cancer patients”
Lead Investigator: Safa Elkefi, PhD
Co-Investigators: Phoenix Matthews, PhD, professor of nursing, Lanyi Chen, PhD, postdoctoral clinical fellow, Jianfang Liu, PhD, MAS, MPA, BE, associate professor of quantitative research in nursing, Steven Feiner, PhD, professor of computer science in dental medicine
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. People with a lower socioeconomic status (SES) are at higher risk for lung cancer, and they often face challenges with adherence to treatment and delays in treatment. Low health literacy often makes it harder for these patients to understand their treatment and communicate with their healthcare providers. Virtual reality (VR) could help improve patient education, treatment readiness, and communication. A new VR tool called EveryBreathMatters aims to support lung cancer patients with low health literacy by enhancing their understanding and preparation for treatment. This approach could help reduce disparities in lung cancer care, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities.
“Establishment and characterization of a zebrafish xenograft model to study cholangiocarcinoma”
Lead Investigator: Xiao Zhao, MD, MS
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a group of aggressive bile duct cancers that are often found at advanced stages, leading to poor treatment outcomes, especially in underserved areas. Research using zebrafish has shown how different cells in the bile ducts can influence the disease. This study aims to leverage extensive experience in utilizing the zebrafish as a disease modeling system to better understand the diverse nature of different CCA subtypes and the role of the tumor microenvironment in driving their progression. This approach will help better understand how CCA progresses and becomes resistant to treatments, potentially leading to more effective therapies and personalized treatment options.