-
Investigating the origins of glioblastoma
Dr. Guerrero Cazares and his team in the Neurogenesis and Brain Tumors Laboratory are exploring the role of the neurogenic niche in the malignancy of glioblastoma and developing new ways to use human tissue to study cancer cell invasion. Focus areas include examining brain tumor initiating cells, which are considered the cells of origin and recurrence in glioblastomas, and the migration of neural progenitor cells.
-
Examining mechanisms of cell migration
Dr. Guerrero Cazares' Neurogenesis and Brain Tumors Laboratory at Mayo Clinic is investigating the migration of neural progenitor cells and the interaction of glioblastoma with the neurogenic niche.
-
Brain tumor initiating cells
Brain tumor initiating cells are a key element of research in the Neurogenesis and Brain Tumors Lab. They are considered the cells of origin and recurrence of glioblastomas. These cells present many features similar to noncancerous stem cells, such as their ability to grow as spheres and give rise to multiple cell lineages, as shown above. However, they also can cause tumors to form.
-
In vivo models of tumor progression
The Neurogenesis and Brain Tumors Laboratory develops in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo models to understand the interaction of the human neurogenic niche and brain tumors.
-
Research that saves lives
Dr. Guerrero Cazares' lab works with other Mayo Clinic researchers and collaborators worldwide to advance the understanding of neurogenesis and gliomas to combat this devastating disease.
Overview
The Mayo Clinic Neurogenesis and Brain Tumors Laboratory directed by Hugo Guerrero Cazares, M.D., Ph.D., focuses on understanding the interaction of the human neurogenic niche and brain tumors. Specifically, Dr. Guerrero Cazares' research team conducts in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies on glioblastoma multiforme — the most common, aggressive and proliferative primary brain tumor in adults — and on the migration of neural progenitor cells in people.
Areas of interest
Specific areas of interest in the Neurogenesis and Brain Tumors Laboratory include:
- Understanding the role of cerebrospinal fluid on the invasiveness of brain tumor cells.
- Studying the potential malignant transformation of human neural progenitor cells in proximity with brain tumors.
- Studying the invasion of healthy brain by tumor cells ex vivo.
Affiliations
Dr. Guerrero Cazares' lab is affiliated with several Mayo Clinic research areas and programs: