Dr. Chris Vakoc's research team at CSHL has grown, with three expert researchers now exploring the causes and potential treatments for Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Our daughter, Daniela passed away from this rare cancer, which is what led us to take an active role in finding a cure. They are the number one academic institution in the world for producing high-quality scientific research.  We are proud to support the work of Dr. Chris Vakoc and his team. His team's work is soley focused on Rhabdomyosarcoma and researching the genetic underpinnings of Rhabdomyosarcoma and the search for a possible drug target. 

Using a CRISPR-based screen that can report whenever a gene loss allows rhabdo cells to myodifferentiate, CSHL has identified strategies for changing rhabdo cells in normal muscle.  In addition, they have discovered several targets in Ewing’s Sarcoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, and Synovial Sarcoma.

​

Going forward, the lab will be working to understand the mechanism by which loss of either of those genes leads to differentiation and preliminary data hints that it might be related to the fusion oncoprotein.