Watowich Laboratory
Stephanie S. Watowich
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
Front row (left to right): Yifan Zhou, Xianxiu Wan, Stephanie Watowich, Haiyan Li, Yusra Medik, Bhakti Patel
Back row (left to right): Taylor Chrisikos, Laura Kahn Serrudo, Rachel Babcock, and Kathryn Newton
Congratulations
Yifan Zhou, Ph.D., of the Watowich Lab was awarded the Ben F. Love Fellowship in Innovative Cancer Therapies for 2021.
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
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, and RP170067). 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 & PI
(R) Dr. Stephanie S. Watowich, Co-Director & Co-PI