Maria Castro, Ph.D.

Dr. Castro's research focuses on epigenetic regulation of cancer progression, uncovering the role of oncometabolites in the brain tumor microenvironment (TME), and developing therapies for adult and pediatric gliomas. Here, she aims to elucidate how CXCR4-CXCL12 signaling (a critical communication bridge in cancer cells) in the glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) microenvironment may mediate the accumulation of immature myeloid cells (IMCs), which can in turn facilitate tumor invasion and disease progression. The overarching goal of her program is to develop novel treatments for brain tumors based on immunotherapeutics, an exciting approach that targets inhibition of tumor growth and recurrence.