معرفی
Dr. Ubaldo A. Soto-Wegner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Basic Sciences, Microbiology Division at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He holds additional roles as Program Director for SM-Infection, Immunity, & Inflammation (PhD and MS programs). His research focuses on cellular plasticity mechanisms in breast cancer, particularly cancer stem cells (CSCs), and the role of the microbiome in cancer development. He employs experimental approaches including microenvironmental modification, epigenetic modulation, and hypoxia studies to elucidate CSC-driven tumor initiation and progression.
Education: PhD from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (1994), MSc from Universidad de Concepción (1982). Professional service includes roles on the Faculty Graduate Council, Institutional Biosafety Committee (Vice-Chair), and Radiation Safety Committee at Loma Linda. He is also active in community health initiatives and serves as Coordinator for the Inland Empire Stem Cell Consortium.
Research emphasizes integrin signaling pathways (e.g., α6-integrin variants), epigenetic regulators (histone acetylation), and microbiome interactions. Key findings include aminoflavone's efficacy against CSCs and discoveries about breast cancer stem cell subpopulations' differentiation patterns. His work has been presented at major conferences like AACR and ISSCR.
Professional development includes post-doctoral training at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and participation in advanced biosafety workshops. He has secured federal grants including studies on dendritic cell signaling and dopamine neuron regulation.
