The Hirbe Lab is a passionate group of clinicians and scientists working collaboratively with many labs. We use our diverse talents to address a broad range of questions regarding sarcoma biology, especially as it relates to understanding MPNSTs and clinically relevant therapies. Read below to find out more about each person!
Xiaochun Zhang
LAB MANAGER
Beginning in 1997, I was doing research on the role of p53, and p16 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at Nanchang University in China. When I arrived at Washington University in 2000, I started working projects on neurodegeneration and cell migration. I then moved on to the Siteman Cancer Tissue Procurement core facility and collaborated with more than 100 cancer research groups. While there, we teamed up with the genomic Institute of Washington University and I started collaborating with Dr. Angela Hirbe. Together I helped her study MPNSTs to better understand the pathogenesis and the biomarkers of the MPNSTs diagnosis and therapy. I’ve been with Dr. Hirbe’s team since September 2016 as a Staff Scientist. My research interests are in the identified BetaIII-spectrin protein as a frequently mutated gene in human MPNSTs, whose function is critical for mouse MPNST growth in vivo and as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for MPNST development and progression.
Carina Dehner
ANATOMIC PATHOLOGY RESIDENT AND FUTURE DERMPATH AND BONE AND SOFT TISSUE FELLOW
My research interest is understanding the molecular-genetic mechanisms of high-grade transformation in mesenchymal neoplasms. In our recent paper, we have shown that Chr8q gain plays a role in high-grade transformation into Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor. We have also shown that Chr8q is associated with worse overall survival in other sarcomas. First, I am hoping to study what types of sarcoma are those showing Chr8q gain using Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and TCGA analysis. Then I am hoping to define potential driver genes of high-grade transformation in these sarcomas using PDX, cell culture models, FISH, and trisomy 8 fibroblasts. The overall goal is to identify new, targetable drivers of high-grade transformation in order to establish efficacious and more specific therapeutic options.
Yang Lyu
Staff Scientist
I got my PhD degree in nephrology in 2010, China. In 2018, I moved to Washington University in Saint Louis, starting my single-cell research and bioinformatics work here.
I specialize in NGS data analysis, including tumor microenvironment analysis. I am currently investigating how to apply bioinformatics in tumor precise therapies.
Dr. Dana Borcherding
SENIOR SCIENTIST
My research project investigates the role of TYK2 in the pathogenesis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST), aggressive sarcomas with poor prognosis. Composed of neoplastic Schwann cells, these cancers recur in ~50% of individuals, and most people die within five years of diagnosis, despite surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets. Prior work from our laboratory identified TYK2 genetic mutations in a subset of MPNSTs and showed that knockdown of the TYK2 gene in MPNST cell lines decreases proliferation and increases apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, genetic knockdown of TYK2 in murine MPNST cells resulted in decreased tumor burden of subcutaneous and metastatic tumor models. The goals of my project are to determine the molecular mechanisms of TYK2 action in MPNST cells and whether TYK2 is a prognostic biomarker for MPNST in patient tumor samples. My project will also evaluate pharmacologic inhibition of TYK2 in MPNST in mice. Additionally, I am involved in the development of clinical and genomic databases for patients with MPNST and other sarcomas. The overall aim of my studies is to develop more efficacious therapeutic options for patients with MPNST to improve patient outcomes and survival.
Dr. Himanshi Bhatia
POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW
My research interests are focused on utilising patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) as a tool to identifying the genetic aberrations prevalent in sarcomas that will further help us in understanding MPNST biology. Aneuploidy is a common hallmark seen in cancers; such chromosomal regions are home to driver genes that are responsible for malignant transformation of various tumors. Using PDX, cell culture models, and clinical features from patient samples, we aim to identify driver mutations present in aneuploid chromosomal regions. Molecular characterisation of such genes will identify multiple candidates that can either serve as biomarkers or as potential drug targets. Additionally, by identifying the interacting partners of the affected genes/proteins, all cancer-related pathways affected in MPNST can be identified. Generation of such molecular networks can pave the way for a robust model for MPNST diagnosis and patient survival analysis.
Kuangying Yang
GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH ASSISTANT
I am a PhD student in Human & Statistical Genetics at Washington University. My research interests are focused on the genetic profiles and therapeutic targets of MPNSTs. I am aiming to figure out the MPNST pathogenesis with bulk and single cell RNA-Seq analyses so as to explore the novel treatments for patients with NF1-MPNST.
Kevin He
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENT
My project involves understanding whether or not TYK2 expression can be used as a prognostic marker for MPNST.
Simge Acar
VISITING RESEARCHER
I graduated from Koç University School of Medicine in Istanbul, Turkey, and joined Hirbe Lab. My research project investigates altered transcriptome and proteome that occurs in cells with chromosome 8q gain. Chr8 gain was identified as a near-universal event in MPNST and is associated with poor overall survival. With a deeper understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of MPNST, and how Chr8 gain alters the biology of MPNST, we hope to uncover new opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies that may improve clinical outcomes.
Neha Amin
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENT
My project involves evaluating targeting the TYK2 kinase in treating Plexiform NF and MPNST.
Divya Srihari
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENT
My research interests are focused on developing tools to aid in early diagnosis of NF1-MPNSTs. I am particularly interested in utilizing liquid biopsies to detect circulating tumor DNA to aid in early detection of malignant transformation in patients with NF1.
Layla Daud
STARs High School Summer Students
I am Layla Daud, and I am a rising senior at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School. I am currently working in the lab completing Western Analysis experiments, learning cell culturing techniques, and measuring tumors in mice. I am affiliated with the STARS Program in St. Louis. The research mentor I chose for this program was Dr. Hirbe and I have loved working with the Hirbe Lab over the past 6 weeks. It has been an eye-opening experience for me and really broadened my knowledge surrounding the wonderful world of science. Although my time in the lab is sadly coming to an end, I hope to keep in touch with the wonderful people I have met along my journey.
Terrie Stald
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Lab Alumni
We have been very lucky to have worked alongside creative and interesting scientists in the Hirbe Lab. Sad for us, they have gone on to continue their aspirations and careers all over the country and the globe.
Vanessa Eulo
HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY FELLOW
Dr. Vanessa Eulo, Assistant Professor, Sarcoma Section Head, University of Alabama, Birmingham
Hua Xu
VISITING SCHOLAR
Attending physician from The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Province, China
Xiaodan Wan
VISITING SCHOLAR
Attending physician from The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Province, China
Zhaohe Zhou
GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Instructor, Chengdu University, China
Chang In Moon
GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH ASSISTANT
PhD student, Baylor College of Medicine
Yuxi Wang
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Masters student, University of Cambridge
Daniel Schefer
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENT
Scientist, Inspira
Hillary Dietz
CLINICAL RESIDENT
Hematology Oncology Fellow, Duke University
Tyler Ball
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN
Olivia Cobb
GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Abigail Godec
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN
MD/PhD Candidate at Michigan State
Wenjing Qin
GRADUATE STUDENT
Associate Researcher, Nanchung University
Xue-Liang Zhou
POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW
Associate Professor, Nanchung University
Neha Amin and Natalie Loveridge
STARs High School Summer Students – 2019
Emily Ristevski and Avi Saini
STARs High School Summer Students – 2018
