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Sandeep Burma, PhD, FNASc

Professor, Vice Chair (Research), Mays Family Foundation Distinguished Chair in Oncology

Currently seeking M.S. & Ph.D. students

Research in the Burma Laboratory is focused on the responses of mammalian cells to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), collectively called the DNA damage response (DDR). We are involved in studying DDR events triggered by ionizing radiation and their carcinogenic and cancer therapeutic implications. We are particularly interested in 1) understanding DSB signaling and repair mechanisms with a focus on the regulation of DNA end resection by EXO1, 2) genetic basis of radio- and chemo-resistance of glioblastomas (GBM), with the translational objective of targeting DNA repair pathways for GBM therapy, 3) genetic changes underlying gliomagenesis triggered by ionizing radiation, the only known risk factor for the development of GBM, and 4) radiation-induced senescence as a driver of glioblastoma recurrence, with the clinical objective of blunting recurrence using senolytic approaches. A more mechanistic understanding of DDR events has emerged from our studies, providing important insights into how GBM is triggered, and leading to the development of better therapeutic approaches for GBM. 

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