Alexandra Naba

Associate Professor

College of Medicine at Chicago - Basic Sciences
Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Research Interests

My laboratory studies the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in development, health, and disease, with a particular focus on cancer. To do so, we utilize classical molecular, cellular, and developmental biology approaches in combination with cutting-edge proteomics and computational analyses. Our research is conducted on mouse models and cells in culture.
Our ultimate goal is to better understand how the ECM contributes to diseases so that we can exploit it to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Current research opportunities within our group include:
1) Computational and proteomic analyses of the extracellular matrix of different tissues and tumor types.
2) Characterization of the cellular and molecular functions of a newly identified ECM gene called SNED1 and shown to be important for breast cancer progression and embryonic development.
The Naba lab is a highly collaborative and dynamic group that strives for scientific excellence, and offers a stimulating and inclusive working environment conducive to learning and professional development.

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