.png)
The Mahameed Lab
Synthetic Biology & Cancer Research
Research
At the Mahameed Lab, we harness synthetic biology to investigate fundamental aspects of cancer pathophysiology.
Additionally, we integrate engineering principles with molecular and cell biology to develop innovative cancer therapies.
By reprogramming mammalian cells, we aim to deepen our understanding of the complex mechanisms driving cancer progression. Using innovative synthetic biology approaches, we study how cancer cells communicate, adapt, and resist therapy. We also develop advanced tools to precisely engineer cell behavior and enhance their ability to recognize malignant cells.
Our ultimate goal is to leverage these technologies to create highly specific, cell-based therapies that selectively target tumors and pave the way for more effective cancer treatments.
Engineering Smart Gene Switches for Cancer
Synthetic Tools to Probe Cancer Signaling
Cell-Based Assays
for Drug Discovery
Cancer and Protein
Quality Control Links
Engineering Smart Gene Switches in Mammalian Cells for Cancer Therapy
Engineering Smart Gene Switches in Mammalian Cells for Cancer Therapy
In our lab, we design and engineer smart gene switches that are specifically activated within the tumor microenvironment. These synthetic switches enable precise, selective control of gene expression, allowing engineered immune cells to selectively engage solid tumors while sparing healthy tissues. By responding to tumor-specific cues-such as hypoxia, protease activity, or metabolic changes-our systems enhance therapeutic selectivity and reduce off-target toxicity.
Our approach combines cutting-edge synthetic biology with cancer immunotherapy to develop next-generation, programmable cell-based treatments. We aim not only to improve the safety and efficacy of immune-based therapies but also to build versatile platforms that can be tailored to different tumor types and therapeutic modalities. Through this work, we seek to advance the frontier of precision oncology and offer new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
.png)
Developed Customized Synthetic Tools to Elucidate Signaling Pathways in Malignant Cells
We design and develop customized synthetic gene tools to precisely dissect oncogenic events in cancer cells. Our research focuses on oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases, which play key roles in driving uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis.
By engineering sophisticated molecular systems capable of real-time monitoring and manipulation of these pathways, we aim to reveal hidden mechanisms and vulnerabilities within these malignant cells. This approach enables us to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop next-generation treatments that are more selective, potent, and less toxic.
Development of Cell-Based Assays for Drug Screening and Discovery
We develop advanced cell-based assays to enable high-throughput drug screening and accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutic compounds. These assays are designed to faithfully mimic key aspects of disease biology, providing physiologically relevant platforms for evaluating drug efficacy, toxicity, and mechanism of action.
By integrating synthetic biology tools, reporter systems, and engineered cellular models, we create customizable and sensitive assays that can detect subtle cellular responses to candidate drugs.Our goal is to bridge the gap between basic research and therapeutic development by providing robust, scalable, and translatable systems that accelerate the identification of promising drug candidates across various cancer types.
Identifying Interconnections Between Cancer Development and Protein Quality Control Mechanisms in the Secretory Pathway
Our research focuses on identifying the intricate interconnections between cancer development and protein quality control within the secretory pathway. The secretory pathway plays a critical role in ensuring proper folding, modification, and trafficking of proteins, which are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. In cancer cells, these processes are often dysregulated, leading to accumulation of misfolded proteins and altered signaling that promote tumor growth, survival, and metastasis.
By investigating how disruptions in protein quality control mechanisms contribute to oncogenic signaling and cellular transformation, we aim to uncover novel molecular targets and pathways that can be exploited therapeutically. This work not only deepens our understanding of cancer biology but also offers promising avenues for developing treatments that restore proteostasis and inhibit tumor progression.
