Research in the Jessen lab aims to understand differences between benign and malignant/metastatic cancer cells with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling cell migration. We are using the zebrafish system and its many tools to examine how cancer/metastasis proteins regulate normal morphogenetic processes at the cellular level and contribute to metastasis. Our current work focuses on two signaling pathways that both contribute significantly to embryonic development and the malignancy of many forms of human cancer; Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Met (a receptor tyrosine kinase) and Membrane Associated Matrix Metalloproteinases. In addition, we are employing tumor cell models to address how proteins critical for cell motility and polarity during vertebrate gastrulation influence the invasive behaviors human cancer cells. Here, we are focusing on non-canonical Wnt signaling (also known as the Planar Cell Polarity pathway). 

Trainees play an active role in all aspects of research including fish care, maintenance of cancer cell lines, execution of experiments, preparing manuscripts, and presenting data at scientific meetings. By taking an integrative approach that combines embryology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, and genomics in zebrafish with studies in human cancer cell models, trainees in the Jessen lab investigate fundamental morphogenetic processes common to vertebrate development, tumor formation, and metastasis.

For more information about Dr. Jessen visit his Vanderbilt Faculty Page