Joshua Hood Lab
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About
Dr. Hood’s lab focuses on the translational design and implementation of biology inspired nanomedicine supported by cell-derived extracellular vesicle (EV) investigations. The study of EV function, biomarkers and derivative therapeutics comprise the primary research interests of our laboratory. EVs subclasses include exosomes, naturally occurring biological nanovesicles approximately < 200 nm in size, shedding vesicles, typically > 200 nm, and apoptotic bodies. EVs have been shown to participate in cell-to-cell communication including RNA transport between cells. Tumor EVs participate in pathogenic tumor processes including angiogenesis, immune suppression, growth, metastasis, and others. In past investigations we discovered that melanoma exosomes prepare lymph nodes for metastasis by establishing pre-metastatic niches. We are continuing to build on this finding by investigating the influence of tumor EVs on macrophage-mediated tumor supportive functions and developing means to convert EVs into biocompatible therapeutic nanocarriers to target and treat tumor microenvironments. Our long-term goal is to develop and translate personalized EV-based diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer.
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Key Research Areas
- Nanomedicine
- Extracellular Vesicles
- Cancer
- Immunopathology
- Biomarkers
- Bioengineering
- Microbiology
Ongoing Projects
- Development of EV-inspired immunotherapeutics for cancer
- Development of EV-based biomarkers for cancer
- Designing synthetic nanomedicines to combat pathogenic microorganisms and viruses
- Engineering 3D cell culture systems
- Engineering EV isolation and fractionation technologies
- Exploring the role of n-acetyl transferases in cancer pathogenesis.
Team
Joshua L. Hood M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Director Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics Course, Co-Administrator: Specialization in Nanomedicine (MS) Track, Director Nanomedicine I and II Courses, Associate Scientist, Brown Cancer Center, Experimental Therapeutics Program, Scientist, Hepatobiology and Toxicology COBRE