Prof. Yardena Samuels
Melanoma Functional Genomics
Our group aims to discover recurrent tumor-specific mutations in melanoma using whole exome and whole genome sequencing approaches. Once mutations are identified, our group focuses on characterizing the biochemical, functional, and clinical aspects of the most highly mutated genes. To facilitate this search, we have established a unique bank of metastatic melanoma tumors which is used for:
- In depth functional analysis of melanoma mutations using novel preclinical models such as somatic cell knockout and somatic cell knockin isogenic cells
- Identification of melanoma protein/protein interactions using overexpression and endogenous epitope tagging,” (EET) approaches. This will uncover which signal transduction pathways mutated proteins impinge upon
- Delineate clinically ideal melanoma protein targets using single and combination drug screens
- In addition to the potential insights into basic tumor biology, new opportunities for clinical intervention are likely to be generated through this research
