Irida Kastrati

Dr. Irida Kastrati is an Assistant Professor in Cancer Biology at Loyola University Chicago. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer progression, particularly therapy resistance and racial disparities in outcomes. She investigates selenoproteins like SELENOF as potential tumor suppressors and develops novel drug strategies to address aggressive cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and ER-positive subtypes with activated inflammatory pathways. Her lab integrates drug discovery, molecular biology, and clinical data to improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce mortality disparities.

Dr. Kastrati holds a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and a postdoctoral fellowship in Cancer Biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her work bridges basic science and translational research, emphasizing mechanisms linking inflammation (NFκB pathway) to endocrine resistance and cancer stem cells. Recent studies highlight SELENOF's role in proteostasis and the design of non-covalent thioredoxin reductase inhibitors as anti-cancer agents.

Publications span mechanisms of tamoxifen resistance, SELENOF's tumor suppressor function, and the dual targeting of estrogen receptor and inflammatory pathways. Her research also addresses how a Western diet exacerbates mammary tumorigenesis in SELENOF-deficient models. Despite no listed awards, her work is supported by grants focusing on racial disparities in breast cancer biology and drug development.