Jezabel Rodriguez Blanco

Jezabel Rodriguez-Blanco, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), affiliated with the Hollings Cancer Center. Her research focuses on pediatric brain tumors, particularly identifying novel targeted therapies for high-risk subtypes like SHH subgroup medulloblastoma. She holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Oviedo (2003), a PhD in Neurosciences from the same university (2009), and postdoctoral training at Columbia University and the University of Miami.

Her laboratory investigates mechanisms driving tumor recurrence and develops therapies to combat drug-resistant forms of pediatric brain tumors. Key projects include targeting glial progenitor cells in medulloblastoma relapse, inhibiting WNT and Hedgehog signaling pathways, and exploring prodrugs like Minnelide for high-risk tumors. Recent work highlights ER-mitochondria interactions in glioma stem cells and SOX2+ cells' role in relapse.

Dr. Rodriguez-Blanco's publications span medulloblastoma biology, drug development, and molecular pathways. Though no scientific awards are listed, her research contributes to advancing therapies for previously untreatable pediatric cancers. She advises no listed students but collaborates on grants exploring targeted therapies. Her lab is part of MUSC's pediatric oncology research ecosystem.