Watowich Laboratory
Stephanie S. Watowich, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Areas of Research
- Immunology
- Immunotherapy
- Breast Cancer
- Melanoma
- Stem Cell Biology
The Watowich Lab investigates the molecular regulation of innate immune cell development and function. The innate immune system is the front-line defense against pathogens, is a central mediator of inflammation and is critical for the initiation and education of the adaptive immune response. In cancer, innate immune cells can either promote or restrain malignant tumor growth, with outcomes depending on molecular cues received in the tumor environment. Our goals are to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which innate immune cells are regulated, to advance fundamental knowledge and to inform new therapies for cancer and immune disease.
Meet the Team
Pictured (left to right): Elizabeth Park, Ph.D.; Josué Pineda; Sarah Schneider; Stephanie Watowich, Ph.D.; Laura Kahn Serrudo; Meredith Klay; Khaoula Ouchen, Ph.D.; Bhakti Patel, Ph.D.; and Morgan Riba
Congratulations
Elizabeth Park, Ph.D., of the Watowich Lab received a three-year $221,615 NIH F32 postdoctoral fellowship from the National Cancer Institute for her proposal titled, "The role of the gut microbiome in ICB-induced anti-tumor response and toxicity."
Current Research
Our primary interest is understanding transcriptional control of innate immune cell development and function by cytokine-activated STAT proteins. Major projects in our laboratory focus on mechanisms by which STATs regulate myeloid and dendritic cell activity in tumors, the anti-inflammatory function of STAT3 in hematopoiesis, and whether and how STATs contribute to immune adverse events in cancer immunotherapy.
Watowich Training Grants
CPRIT Research Training Grant
The CPRIT Research Training Program provides fundamental, interdisciplinary and innovative training in cancer research at MD Anderson. This program is the continuation of highly successful and comprehensive training programs supported by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (RP101502, RP140106, RP170067, RP21028, and NIH R25CA240137). Our program includes three tracks: the CPRIT TRIUMPH (Translational Research in Multidisciplinary Programs) postdoctoral, CPRIT Graduate Scholar and CPRIT Summer Undergraduate Research Programs.
The CPRIT Research Training Program is led by:
(L) Dr. Khandan Keyomarsi, Co-Director & Co-PI
(R) Dr. Stephanie S. Watowich, Co-Director & Co-PI