Columbia University Medical Center
New York, United States
Robert Wechsler-Reya, Ph.D. is Professor of Neurology and Scientific Director of Brain Tumor Research at Columbia University Medical Center. His research focuses on the signals that control growth and differentiation in the cerebellum, and how these signals are dysregulated in the pediatric brain tumor medulloblastoma. His lab’s contributions include demonstrating the importance of Sonic hedgehog as a mitogen for neuronal precursors; discovering a novel population of stem cells in the developing cerebellum; demonstrating that both neuronal precursors and stem cells can serve as cells of origin for medulloblastoma; and identifying cancer stem cells that are critical for tumor propagation of tumors. Most recently, they have uncovered a mechanism by which medulloblastoma cells evade the immune system, and a therapy that overcomes evasion and sensitizes tumor cells to immune checkpoint inhibitors. His lab has developed multiple genetically engineered mouse models and patient-derived xenograft models of medulloblastoma, and is using them to test novel approaches to therapy. In addition to his laboratory research, Dr. Wechsler-Reya works with a team of physicians and scientists to develop novel approaches to precision medicine for children with brain tumors.