Dianne Cox

Dianne Cox is a Professor in the Department of Developmental & Molecular Biology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of macrophage recruitment and function, particularly their dual roles in immune defense and pathological processes like chronic inflammation and cancer progression. Her work emphasizes tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and their promotion of tumor metastasis through interactions with cancer cells, including studies on actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell-cell communication via tunneling nanotubes.

Her laboratory employs advanced microscopy, molecular biology, and genetic tools to investigate how macrophages interact with tumors and contribute to metastasis. Key methodologies include FRET biosensors for Rho GTPases and live-cell imaging of tumor-macrophage interactions. Collaborations with researchers like Janusz Condeelis have been central to advancing understanding of metastatic pathways.

Recent work highlights macrophage-induced tunneling nanotubes as novel conduits for intercellular communication driving tumor invasion. Her research bridges basic cell biology with translational insights into immune-based therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage function in diseases.