Didier Dreau

Didier Dreau is a Full Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology (Immunology) from the College of Agriculture of Rennes, France, and has dedicated his career to understanding cancer metastasis, with a focus on melanoma and breast cancer. His research explores molecular mechanisms, vascular interactions, and immune responses in tumor progression.

• Bachelor in Physiology & Cell Biology, University of Rennes I (1988)
• Master in Molecular & Cell Biology, University Blaise Pascal (1990)
• Ph.D. in Molecular & Cell Biology (Immunology), College of Agriculture of Rennes (1994)

Dr. Dreau’s laboratory investigates cancer metastasis through four key areas: Signaling (cytokine/chemokine interactions), Anchoring and Growth of Metastases, Vascularization of Tumors, and Immune System Interactions. His work emphasizes inflammasomes in local inflammation and tumor microenvironment dynamics.

Recent publications highlight advancements in chemokine heterodimerization to inhibit cancer migration, 3D organ miniaturization for drug discovery, and nano-based therapies for pancreatic cancer. His team employs murine models, electrospun biomaterials, and in vivo imaging to dissect metastatic processes.

Scientific awards include:

• 2014 Outstanding Faculty Award
• 2014 Multicultural Academic Service Award
• 2020 CLAS Excellence in Teaching (Integration of Undergraduate Research)

Dr. Dreau mentors graduate and honors students, including notable alumni like Khanh Nguyen (2021) and Yas Maghdouri-White (2014), and actively engages undergraduates in research projects. His lab alumni include postdoctoral fellows and graduate researchers who have contributed to understanding fibrosis, inflammation, and macrophage-tumor interactions.