RTICC Search Committee Candidate Seminar- Michal Polonsky

Dr. Michal Polonsky
Caltech, California Institute of Technology

"Location matters – a spatial view of cellular interactions"

Cells constantly integrate localized signals and coordinate appropriate responses in time and space. To study these collective behaviors, I leveraged sequential Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (seqFISH) , a methodology which allows detection of thousands of mRNA molecules in intact tissues, and investigated cellular interactions within the native microenvironments within pathophysiological tissues. I used a mouse model of Acute Kidney Injury which progresses to chronic disease. I identified distinct microenvironments emerging post-injury, including fibroblast populations that drive immune activation and injury propagation. A subset of fibroblasts expressing Crlf1 marked a persistently damaged microenvironment, while immune aggregates with pro-inflammatory cells and fibroblasts were linked to chronic inflammation.

Additionally, I studied changes in microenvironments in In Low-Grade Glioma patients. seqFISH revealed a microenvironment enriched in pericytes and endothelial cells associated with Malignant Transformation (MT), suggesting early processes involving vasculature are a potential factor predicting MT. These findings underscore the importance of studying cellular behavior in situ and highlight the critical role of stromal cells (Fibroblasts and Pericytes) in disease progression and immune regulation.

One of the crucial RTICC goals is the recruitment of talented and established faculty from all relevant disciplines who strive to make an impact on cancer research. The RTICC is pleased to host a candidate seminar featuring Dr. Michal Polonsky, a postdoctoral fellow at Caltech. Dr. Polonsky will present her innovative research and vision for advancing cancer research and treatment, on the topic of Stromal microenvironments in health and disease. This seminar offers an opportunity for the RTICC community to engage with a prominent researcher in the field, ask questions, and learn more about Dr. Polonsky’s potential contributions to our mission. We encourage all members of the RTICC to attend and participate in this seminar.

Following the seminar at 12:00-13:00, there will be a Chalk Talk in the 11th floor seminar room, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine. The chalk talk is a closed event for Principal Investigators only.