Our opportunities & priorities
The MPCC aims to unite scientists with a common interest in understanding how and why cancers develop in children. Childhood cancers are distinct from adult cancers. Childhood cancers have different mutations than adult cancers. Furthermore, childhood cancers hijack genetic programs that regulate normal development and that are unique to childhood. If we can understand these differences, we can develop therapies that account for the unique properties of childhood cancers. The research priorities listed below will maximize our impact in the field by building off areas of particular strength on the Washington University medical campus. Specific initiatives include the following:
- Modeling childhood cancers: One major barrier to drug discovery is a lack of models that faithfully reflect all relevant properties of childhood cancers, including the appropriate cells of origin, the appropriate mutations and the appropriate supporting microenvironment. This is critical because pediatric cancer specimens are relatively rare, and they are difficult to maintain and manipulate. We therefore invest in developing new models, confirming that the models reflect genetic and metabolic properties of human cancers, and then screening for novel therapeutic vulnerabilities.
- Understanding cells that give rise to pediatric cancer: Childhood cancer development is intertwined with normal developmental biology. Cancers such leukemias, neuroblastomas, Wilm’s tumors (and many others) often retain properties of fetal cells. Our goal is to use normal developmental biology to frame the abnormal changes that drive pediatric cancer.
- Genomics and informatics: Our research builds on the world-class genomics infrastructure already in place at Washington University. The center invests in bioinformatics support for its researchers as well as in efforts to integrate clinical whole genome sequencing into investigator-initiated trials at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
- Drug identification and translation: We are taking on the challenge of translating basic discoveries into novel therapies. Indeed, novel cancer modeling strategies developed at the MPCC create opportunities to develop ever-more precise therapies. To exploit these opportunities, we have prioritized drug screening and drug development as an opportunity for growth. The multifaceted approach includes collaborations among faculty on campus as well as corporate partnerships.
Investigator recruitment
The MPCC provides start-up funds and ongoing research support to highly accomplished CDI investigators. We recruit our investigators at the junior faculty level. Eligible candidates include MD, MD/PhD and PhD scientists who have demonstrated excellence in their postdoctoral research and who will conduct lab-based research related to pediatric cancer.
Recruitment packages include robust start-up funds and sustained support for seven years. Our overarching goal is to broaden the portfolio of high-impact, well-funded pediatric cancer research at Washington University.
Interested? Let us know…
All inquiries are confidential.