Albert Einstein Cancer Center

The research program in Dr. Sanjeev Gupta’s laboratory is aimed at obtaining insights into mechanisms concerning stem cell biology, organ replacement with cells and development of novel therapies incorporating cell and molecular biology principles. The overall focus is on translating research findings for clinical studies in people.

 

A number of projects are available to highly motivated and gifted postdoctoral scientists with strong molecular and cell biology skills and experience in experimental model systems. The model systems used in the laboratory extend to human embryonic stem cells, human fetal cells, as well as adult human liver cells.  In addition, studies are conducted with mature mouse and rat cells for model development and verification. The experimental approaches concern sophisticated in vitro assays, lentiviral gene transfer vectors, microarray technologies, including microRNA expression analysis, manipulation of gene expression, and use of intact animals. The major therapeutic targets of interest include correction of genetic disorders, e.g., hemophilia A, where the endothelial cell compartment has been identified as an attractive target, Wilson disease, where excessive accumulation of copper leads to extensive liver disease, as well as chronic hepatitis, where the consideration is to examine strategies capable of making desired stem/progenitor cells resistant to hepatitis replication, such that disease-resistant cells could then be used to repopulate the liver of people with chronic hepatitis. This approach offers potential for altering the natural history of precancerous liver lesions, while simultaneously offering new insights into the potential of stem/progenitor cells for combined cell and gene therapy.  Understanding how suitable cell types could be obtained from stem/progenitor cells is of much interest for these applications.

 

The laboratory pursues a highly interactive and collaborative program in a collegial environment with ample opportunities and support for personal development. Access to institution-wide facilities, multiple Research Centers and academic programs is available.