Dr. Christopher Porter

Biography

Christopher Porter's research focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies for leukemia by understanding the molecular mechanisms of leukemogenesis and treatment resistance. His lab employs a wide variety of techniques, both in vitro and in vivo, for the discovery and validation of molecular vulnerabilities in cancer cells. For example, through the use of genome-scale shRNA screens, his team identified WEE1 as a chemosensitizing target in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Subsequent studies, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), validated these findings and supported the development of clinical trials testing a WEE1 inhibitor in subjects with AML. Furthermore, Dr. Porter has discovered a novel function of the transcription factor ETV6 in regulating normal hematopoiesis and is investigating how mutations in ETV6 promote leukemogenesis using a new mouse model. His ongoing projects are directed at understanding the mechanisms of immune evasion in leukemogenesis and enhancing immune responses to leukemia cells.

Research Interests