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The Yaffe Lab is interested in understanding how protein kinase signaling pathways control cellular responses to DNA damage and mitotic stress.

The mural in the lobby of the Koch Institute (created by C.E.B Reas and Ben Fry) represents signaling networks and it is based on work from the Yaffe lab.

Research in the Yaffe lab continues to focus on how cell signaling events determine the response of cells to DNA damage and mitotic stress, and how these types of cell stress influence the innate immune microenvironment within tissues and tumors.  The work is multi-disciplinary, using experimental and computational systems biology approaches, including biochemistry, cell and structural biology, and in vivo mouse models.  A key component of our research is the development of novel technology, including peptide library methods, signaling and motif-based computational analyses, multiplex kinase signaling studies in cells and tissues, and new reporters for DNA damage repair. Translational applications of our research findings are influencing the treatment of human cancer using chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, and improving our understanding of the intimate relationship between inflammation, wound healing and cancer.

 

Value Statement

The Yaffe lab believes that a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative team is essential for the success of their research program, and invites highly talented and motivated individuals of all ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations and disabilities to join us in pushing the boundaries in cancer research and treatment. Dr. Yaffe is an experienced mentor dedicated to helping his trainees cultivate professional development skills and success in their independent scientific careers. In partnership with the MIT community, we want to create and maintain a supportive lab environment that enables the physical and mental well-being of all lab members, and allows everyone to reach their full potential.