The Optimisticc team is supported through the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative. Learn more here

WP3: Mapping the cellular distribution of the bowel cancer microbiome

We hope to better understand the bacterial cells that make up the colorectal cancer microbiome, and how they interact with human cancer cells. For example, what types of bacteria are found with the cancer? Do they make their way inside the human cells, or do they just sit on the surface of the cells? Do they touch human immune cells that help fight the cancer? And perhaps most importantly, do the bacteria help the cancer cells grow, and if so, how, and how can we stop them?

We are exploring these questions using specialized microscopes and technologies that enable us to see the bacteria and the human cells. We have developed methods to pinpoint locations within the intestine that harbor bacteria, and which bacteria are in each location. We are also using genome sequence analysis to help us identify the bacteria. Sequence analysis can also tell us which intestinal cell types are affected, the bacteria affecting them, and the human and bacterial genes that are turned on or off as a result of the bacterial-cancer cell association. This detailed information will give us a new understanding to aid in diagnosis of colorectal cancer and development of new treatments.

Work Package Leaders

Matthew Meyerson, MD, PhD

Matthew Meyerson, MD, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Boston

  • Professor of Genetics and Medicine, Harvard Medical School
  • Director, Center for Cancer Genomics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Institute Member, Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard
Marios Giannakis, MD, PhD

Marios Giannakis, MD, PhD

Co-Investigator, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Harvard Medical School

Assistant Professor in Medicine

Marielle Santos McLeod, CPN

Marielle Santos McLeod, CPN

Patient Advocate

Marielle was diagnosed with young onset Stage III colon cancer in June 2017. After completing numerous rounds of chemotherapy is now cancer free. She holds a BA Spanish and an MHA in Healthcare Administration and has worked in the healthcare field for 13 years. 

Meet Marielle

Learn about other Work Packages

WP1: The Microbiome in colorectal cancer risk

WP1: The Microbiome in colorectal cancer risk

WP1: The Microbiome in colorectal cancer riskWe are analyzing the microbiome of 3000 bowel tumors, to determine the relationship between the bacteria within tumors and their mutations. We have analyzed the microbiome of over 2288 bowel cancer screening samples. Our...

WP 2: Epidemiological correlates of the colorectal cancer microbiome

WP 2: Epidemiological correlates of the colorectal cancer microbiome

WP2: Epidemiological correlates of the colorectal cancer microbiomeColorectal cancer (CRC) most often occurs sporadically (as compared to genetic forms of the disease) and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Environmental factors contribute...

WP 4: Model systems to study the colorectal cancer microbiome

WP 4: Model systems to study the colorectal cancer microbiome

WP4: Model systems to study the colorectal cancer microbiomeThe Clevers lab has been using their human ‘mini-gut’ technology. These mini guts (a.k.a. intestinal organoids) are grown in a dish from healthy gut stem cells. They can be expanded indefinitely and create...

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