Graduate student wins fellowship to study breast cancer metastasis
When Jesus Garcia Lerena joined Eran Andrechek’s laboratory in spring of 2022, he knew it would provide the perfect
opportunity for him to further explore his passion for genomics and cancer research.
The Department of Physiology professor’s lab was a natural fit for Garcia Lerena, who has an undergraduate background in clinical allergies and immunology coupled with his master's studies in molecular biology.
“Our lab studies the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of breast and lung cancer, and we apply innovative bioinformatic techniques to understand complex processes such as metastasis,” Garcia Lerena said. “I think it is an excellent space to develop my professional goals.”
His dedication to these goals recently garnered significant recognition. His research project on breast cancer metastasis, a leading cause of death in women worldwide, recently won him a fellowship through the Susan G. Komen ASPIRE grants. ASPIRE stands for A Supplement to Promote Inclusion for Research Excellence and the grants support research trainees from historically marginalized communities.
“As a Cuban, it is an immense honor to be recognized with this,” said Garcia Lerena, who was born and raised in Havana. “Seven years ago, I was living in Cuba without a clear future and under bad circumstances. Now I am here with many opportunities that has come my way, and for that, I am grateful.”
Such fellowships are vital, not just for the recipients but for the
scientific community as a whole, said Andrechek.
“International students have fewer opportunities for scholarships, which
puts them at a competitive disadvantage when looking at their next career stages,” he said. “Too many times we only talk about DEI, but Komen’s ASPIRE program is an important step in fostering the development of these type of talented scientists.”
From a young age, Garcia Lerena aspired to a career that would allow him to study and understand the biological processes behind complex diseases. He found his calling in studying cancer metastasis through a combination of personal experiences and a desire to make meaningful contributions to the field and help others.
“I was reluctant to get directly involved in cancer studies after some friends and family members perished due to cancer,” said the first-generation college student. “Regardless of how difficult it might be and with a more mature point of view now, I feel that I can use my knowledge and effort to help find new ways to prevent cancer mortality. I am determined to help others with my research and in some instances, honor my loved ones. I think that is my biggest motivation.”
That motivation is what led him to focus his research on identifying genes and pathways responsible for organ-specific metastasis commonly observed in humans.
Metastasis — the spread of a disease from its primary site to a new one in the body — is the main cause of death in breast cancer. Liver metastasis is particularly under-studied due to the lack of effective models that metastasize to that organ.
Using a promising mouse model that lacks the E2F5 transcription factor in the mammary gland, Garcia Lerena has been able to observe spontaneous tumors with specific metastasis to the liver and lymph nodes. This model is crucial because it offers a unique opportunity to understand the mechanisms driving liver metastasis, potentially leading to targeted therapies that could significantly improve patient outcomes.
“I was able to enrich different lineages from this model with specific metastasis toward liver or lymph nodes,” he said. “I am now studying what are the drivers of this specific metastasis.”
As he enters his fourth year in the Cell and Molecular Biology Ph.D. program, Garcia Lerena has made significant strides both technically and intellectually, Andrechek said.
“The fun thing to watch in student growth is when they really start to think and hypothesize on their own and dig into the literature,” Andrechek said. “Jesus did that when he started to see the liver metastasis in the model system and I’m curious to see where the project goes next.”
In the meantime, Garcia Lerena is hoping his journey can inspire others like him.
“I am happy for efforts like the ASPIRE award that helps implement inclusive environments,” said Garcia Lerena, who has a younger brother and sister back in Cuba. “I hope my story can be a humble example of inspiration and bring hope to my community."
