Scott Atwood

Scott Atwood, Ph.D., investigates stem cell heterogeneity and signaling pathways in skin development and cancer. His research focuses on protein kinase regulation of Hedgehog signaling and transcription factors, using models of epidermal homeostasis and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The Atwood Lab employs single-cell RNA-sequencing, CRISPR screening, and mathematical modeling to uncover mechanisms of tumor growth, drug resistance, and immune interactions in skin cancers.

• Key research areas: Hedgehog pathway, atypical PKC, tumor-immune dynamics
• Techniques: Spatial transcriptomics, organoid models, kinase-substrate analysis

Recent publications highlight his work on:

• Epidermal stem cell transition states
• Kinase-driven BCC drug resistance
• Novel therapeutic targets (GLI/SFRP1)
• Immunotherapy response biomarkers
• Cell-cell communication networks

His lab has made significant contributions to understanding how kinases modulate tumor progression and response to treatments, with implications for developing novel therapies for drug-resistant cancers.