Ryan Flynn, M.D., Ph.D.

Research

The Flynn lab explores how molecules such as RNAs influence cellular processes in the context of human disease. My recent work established that RNAs and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are present on the surface of many cell types, and some of these cell-surface RBPs are specifically associated with tumors. For example, the RBP NPM1 is selectively present on the surface of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Because effective cell therapy for cancer requires the identification of cell-surface proteins unique to malignant cells, I hypothesize that cell-surface RBPs, such as NPM1, may be useful as therapeutic targets. To explore this possibility, I will establish the scope of cell-surface NPM1 expression on solid and liquid tumors to better understand its clinical implications. I will also define the mechanistic dynamics of cell-surface NPM1. Finally, I will examine various means of targeting cell-surface NPM1 for efficacious treatment of AML. This work explores the new territory of cell-surface RNA biology and its potential to yield targets for cancer-selective therapeutic approaches.