Bisrat Debeb
Associate Professor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Breast Medical Oncology
Research in my laboratory focuses on uncovering the molecular determinants of breast cancer aggressiveness, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Specifically, our efforts aim to: (i) identify and target the molecular drivers of brain metastasis, a common and devastating manifestation of advanced-stage breast cancer, and (ii) investigate the unique pathobiology of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare and highly aggressive form of primary breast cancer that disproportionately affects young and African American women. Current work in the laboratory includes identifying and characterizing novel drivers of brain metastasis, developing improved mouse models of breast cancer brain metastasis, and designing effective therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent metastatic spread to the brain. In parallel, we are identifying and targeting key drivers of aggressiveness and therapy resistance in IBC. To support these efforts, we have established preclinical mouse models of brain metastasis derived from aggressive HER2+ and triple-negative breast cancer cells, enabling us to study the biology and mechanisms underlying metastatic dissemination to the brain, including interactions within the metastatic brain microenvironment. We also utilize cell lines, primary cell cultures, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, syngeneic mouse models, and human tissue and blood samples to unravel the molecular underpinnings of both IBC and brain metastasis. These efforts are envisioned to inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies with strong potential for clinical translation to improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer. A tutorial in my laboratory would provide hands-on experience with mouse models (including in vivo tumor growth and metastasis studies), cell culture techniques, flow cytometry, molecular and cell biology methods, and cancer stem cell assays.
Education & Training
Ph.D. - Texas A&M University - 2008
D.V.M. - Addis Ababa University - 1999