All Publications

  • Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging: Insights into Pathobiology. Annual review of pathology Liu, C. C., McCaffrey, E. F., Greenwald, N. F., Soon, E., Risom, T., Vijayaragavan, K., Oliveria, J., Mrdjen, D., Bosse, M., Tebaykin, D., Bendall, S. C., Angelo, M. 2021

    Abstract

    Next-generation tools for multiplexed imaging have driven a new wave of innovation in understanding how single-cell function and tissue structure are interrelated. In previous work, we developed multiplexed ion beam imaging by time of flight, a highly multiplexed platform that uses secondary ion mass spectrometry to image dozens of antibodies tagged with metal reporters. As instrument throughput has increased, the breadth and depth of imaging data have increased as well. To extract meaningful information from these data, we have developed tools for cell identification, cell classification, and spatial analysis. In this review, we discuss these tools and provide examples of their application in various contexts, including ductal carcinoma in situ, tuberculosis, and Alzheimer's disease. We hope the synergy between multiplexed imaging and automated image analysis will drive a new era in anatomic pathology and personalized medicine wherein quantitative spatial signatures are used routinely for more accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic selection. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease, Volume 17 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

    View details for DOI 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-030321-091459

    View details for PubMedID 34752710

  • An engineered ligand trap inhibits leukemia inhibitory factor as pancreatic cancer treatment strategy. Communications biology Hunter, S. A., McIntosh, B. J., Shi, Y., Sperberg, R. A., Funatogawa, C., Labanieh, L., Soon, E., Wastyk, H. C., Mehta, N., Carter, C., Hunter, T., Cochran, J. R. 2021; 4 (1): 452

    Abstract

    Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a cytokine secreted by stromal myofibroblasts and tumor cells, has recently been highlighted to promote tumor progression in pancreatic and other cancers through KRAS-driven cell signaling. We engineered a high affinity soluble humanLIF receptor (LIFR) decoy that sequesters humanLIF and inhibits its signaling as a therapeutic strategy. This engineered 'ligand trap', fused to an antibody Fc-domain, has ~50-fold increased affinity (~20 pM) and improved LIF inhibition compared to wild-type LIFR-Fc, potently blocks LIF-mediated effects in pancreatic cancer cells, and slows the growth of pancreatic cancer xenograft tumors. These results, and the lack of apparent toxicity observed in animal models, further highlights ligand traps as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s42003-021-01928-2

    View details for PubMedID 33846527