Recent studies from the University of Georgia’s School of Medicine aim to hasten the progress of customized cancer therapies. Dr. Yana Zavros, UGA’s first Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Molecular Medicine and a prominent scholar in cellular and molecular translational medicine, is heading the initiative.
Zavros and her group utilize organoids, three-dimensional cell cultures derived from a patient’s tumor tissues, to explore the tumor microenvironment, analyze the patient’s immune response to tumor cells, and examine the cancer’s evolution over time. Insights gained from these organoid systems have already proven invaluable, contributing to the development of a targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer currently undergoing a Phase 2 clinical trial.
“By employing this well-defined cell culture system, we can conduct a more profound examination of how the tumor was initiated considering the surrounding immune cells and stroma,” stated Zavros, who additionally serves as a research center director and is a professor within the department of interdisciplinary biomedical sciences in the School of Medicine. “Organoids grant us the ability to comprehend the tumor, and this understanding enables us to potentially diagnose the illness at an earlier phase and inhibit disease progression.”
Cutting-edge technology adds fresh perspective to cancer research
An illustration of how cancer cells utilize surrounding immune cells in the patient’s tumor as captured through the Orion Multiplex Immunofluorescence Imaging. (Submitted photo)
This investigation is feasible due to new, sophisticated instruments that permit Zavros’ group to analyze tumor tissue intricately — spanning individual genes to critical biomarkers that could serve as targets for innovative therapies. The ORION platform facilitates the visualization of biomarkers across multiple unique cell types, which are then directly compared to the patient’s tumor pathology. Furthermore, the team employs a new microscope system — the Nikon Crest spinning-disk confocal microscope — capable of capturing crisp, detailed images of living 3D organoid models in real-time, making it ideal for investigating cellular growth and behavior without inflicting damage.
UGA’s School of Medicine stands as the sole higher education establishment in Georgia and one of a select few nationwide with access to such specialized apparatus.
“Dr. Zavros has been an outstanding addition to the School of Medicine; her pioneering interdisciplinary research will enhance the University of Georgia’s standing as an eminent research institution in the nation,” remarked Shelley Nuss, founding dean of the School of Medicine. “Dr. Zavros’ cutting-edge laboratory has amplified her distinguished research capabilities and will aid in attracting more exceptional researchers to the University of Georgia.”
Clinical collaborations boost research effectiveness
Zavros and her research team closely collaborate with clinical partners statewide. Working alongside specialists in surgery, pathology, and oncology is essential to maximize the potential impacts of their research and equipment for cancer patients.
Dr. Yana Zavros performs work in her lab. (Chamberlain Smith/UGA)
“Interdisciplinary teamwork has been successfully established and applied by a research group showcasing unique skills and expertise,” Zavros commented. “The clinical insight and knowledge exchange are crucial right from the inception of a research study, as it aids translational scientists in formulating significant clinical queries in the lab that can subsequently expedite those discoveries to patients.”
Her team is engaged in a project to host comprehensive images of the organoid models on the School of Medicine’s website, ensuring pathologists and collaborators nationwide can access this interactive information to inform patient treatment strategies. Zavros aspires for the data and technological breakthroughs from this research to extend beyond pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers, aiding scientists in the exploration of various diseases at the cellular and molecular levels.
Preparing the future cohort of medical researchers
Graduate student Xi Sun and lab research technician Abigail Branch collaborate in Dr. Yana Zavros’ laboratory. (Chamberlain Smith/UGA)
While continuing to enhance the research enterprise of the School of Medicine, Zavros is also appreciative of the educational and development opportunities her lab offers to UGA students. From cutting-edge equipment access to collaboration with a multidisciplinary clinical faculty team, the lab provides students with a practical, hands-on training and research experience.
“Witnessing students join the lab, taking charge of their projects, bringing their unique outlook, and expanding their understanding of the field through authentic inquiry greatly inspires me,” Zavros expressed. “Anything I can do to offer opportunities, resources, and an environment that nurtures excellence and creativity, enabling them to reach their career aspirations, brings me great joy as a mentor and advisor.”
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