معرفی
Julia Unternaehrer is an Associate Professor in the Basic Sciences and Biochemistry Division, as well as in Gynecology & Obstetrics at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She serves as Vice Chair of Basic Sciences and Co-Program Director for Cancer, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology programs. Her research focuses on the interplay between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors, microRNAs, and cancer stem cells in ovarian cancer progression and resistance mechanisms. She holds a PhD from Yale University (2004) and a BS from Loma Linda University (1987).
Research Interests: Dr. Unternaehrer investigates how EMT pathways and microRNAs regulate cancer cell behavior, particularly in ovarian and prostate cancers. Her lab uses patient-derived xenograft models to study therapeutic resistance and stemness. Key areas include the Snail/let-7 axis in metastasis, radiation effects on cancer aggressiveness, and health disparities in genetic testing access.
Grants & Service: She leads several grants including NIH-funded studies on chemoresistance and proton radiation impacts. She directs the Flow Cytometry and Patient-Derived Xenograft Core Facilities. Her service roles include thesis committee leadership for over a dozen students and committee memberships in academic affairs and institutional biosafety.
Labs & Teams: Her research group collaborates on projects involving stem cell reprogramming, tumor microenvironment analysis, and translational oncology. Current initiatives target novel combination therapies for BRCA-associated cancers and disparities in Latinx patient outcomes.
