Oliver McDonald
Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology (PMI)
Epithelial Biology Center (EBC)
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC)
The McDonald lab investigates linked metabolic-epigenetic programs that drive metastasis, which is by far the most common cause of cancer deaths. We utilize patient tissue samples, 3D organoid cultures, clonal cell lines, and mouse models to investigate how these non-genetic drivers are naturally selected to accelerate metastatic spread during disease evolution. Discoveries are translated into new therapies targeting metabolic reactions that reprogram the cancer genome into an epigenetic state that facilitates metastasis.
The McDonald lab investigates linked metabolic-epigenetic programs that drive metastasis, which is by far the most common cause of cancer deaths. We utilize patient tissue samples, 3D organoid cultures, clonal cell lines, and mouse models to investigate how these non-genetic drivers are naturally selected to accelerate metastatic spread during disease evolution. Discoveries are translated into new therapies targeting metabolic reactions that reprogram the cancer genome into an epigenetic state that facilitates metastasis.