Wegiel Lab
We probe molecular links between heme metabolism, innate immune cell function and cellular niche to identify targets for cancer and fibrosis treatment.
Our goal is to understand the roles of innate immune cells (i.e., myeloid cells) in stress responses in various disease models. We investigate how sterile-induced inflammation contributes to organ injury and fibrosis. Moreover, we focus on basic mechanisms of regulation of tumor microenvironment and cancer cells growth. Our interest lies in regulatory mechanisms related to the heme biology and other regulatory genes in tumor evolution and cancer therapy.
Leadership
Principal Investigator: Barbara (Basia) Wegiel, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Associate Professor, Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, BIDMC
Co-Leader of the Pathogen, Immunity and Inflammation (PII) Translational Research Hub, BIDMC
Co-Leader of the Fibroids and Endometriosis Research Program (FERP)
Research
Forefront of Research
Much of our efforts have been directed towards how the enzymes involved in heme degradation (biliverdin reductase/BVR and heme oxygenase-1/HO-1) and the products (carbon monoxide, biliverdin/bilirubin, iron) control metabolism and gene regulation in both immune and cancer cells.
What's Happening
