Field of Expertise
Lung adenocarcinoma, epigenetics, and small cell lung cancer.
Expertise
Human alveolar epithelial cell lines and epigenetics. Dr. Offringa’s lab developed immortalized human alveolar epithelial cell lines, which were lacking, and is in the process of developing a collection of such cell lines from diverse populations. These cell lines grow in 2D or in 3D as organoids and can be used to study the effects of the environment on alveolar epithelium and epigenome and the mechanism by which these cells can turn into lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
Small cell lung cancer-associated “anti-Hu” immune response. Dr. Offringa led a team that identified the antigenic epitope of ELAVL4, the protein that triggers the "anti-Hu" response. ~15% of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients spontaneously develop anti-ELAVL4 antibodies and these patients respond better to therapy and show significantly improved survival. The Offringa lab is using mouse models, cell lines, and biosensors to develop new SCLC therapies based on the anti-ELAVL4 response.