The overarching goal of the Macias Research Lab is to gain basic mechanistic insights into clinically relevant “druggable” molecular targets with the eventual goal of aiding to reduce cancer specific mortality. Our group integrates human cancer genomic data, functional genomic screens and pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo mouse models in order to identify prioritize and validate potential therapeutic targets. We are particularly interested in understudied kinases. Thus, in parallel we are conducting basic mechanistic and drug discovery studies. Mechanistic studies to determine the mechanism of action of our therapeutic candidates, include live cell imaging, phenotypic gain and loss of function studies, preclinical in vivo studies and various omic approaches. We are steadily adapting drug discovery and lead compound optimization strategies for increased target engagement, efficacy and drug like properties via collaboration with medicinal chemists, structural biologists and pharmacokineticists.
