John Condeelis

John Condeelis, PhD, is a renowned Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Department of Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He holds multiple leadership roles, including Director of Basic and Translational Research in Surgery, Co-Director of the Gruss Lipper Biophotonics Center, and Scientific Director of the Analytical Imaging Facility. His research focuses on cancer biology, optical physics, and cell migration, with a particular emphasis on tumor metastasis mechanisms. Dr. Condeelis pioneered multiphoton imaging technologies and discovered the tumor microenvironment of metastasis (TMEM), a key predictor of metastatic risk. His lab integrates advanced imaging with molecular biology to study how tumor cells interact with macrophages and blood vessels during dissemination.

Research Interests: Dr. Condeelis investigates the dynamic interplay between tumor cells, macrophages, and the extracellular matrix using cutting-edge imaging techniques. His work elucidates mechanisms of invasion, intravasation, and metastatic colonization, with a focus on biomarkers like TMEM and MenaCalc. Recent studies explore racial disparities in metastasis and the impact of chemotherapy on tumor microenvironment composition.

Key Contributions: Dr. Condeelis has authored over 300 papers, advancing understanding of metastatic pathways and developing diagnostic tools. His lab collaborates on clinical trials targeting metastasis drivers and optimizing therapies to minimize therapy-induced metastasis. He leads a multidisciplinary team including postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and students like Madeline Friedman.