Dr. Heda Hosseini, Associate Professor and Principal Investigator at the Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine (TRIPM), Gulf Medical University, delivered an invited scientific seminar at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) on 25 June 2026, presenting his latest research on the mechanisms that drive cancer metastasis.
His presentation, titled “Cancer Cell Plasticity in Early Dissemination and Metastatic Colonization,” focused on one of the most significant challenges in cancer research: understanding how cancer cells spread from primary tumors and establish life-threatening metastatic disease. As metastasis accounts for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths, uncovering the biological processes that enable cancer cells to adapt and survive during disease progression is essential for developing more effective therapeutic strategies.
During the seminar, Dr. Hosseini highlighted recent advances from his laboratory investigating the biology of early disseminated cancer cells and the molecular mechanisms regulating metastatic colonization. He discussed how the remarkable plasticity of cancer cells allows them to dynamically transition between migratory, invasive, dormant, and proliferative states, enabling successful dissemination and eventual metastatic outgrowth.
The presentation emphasized the complex interplay between cancer cell–cell interactions, signals from the tumor microenvironment, and intracellular signaling pathways that collectively govern the balance between dissemination and proliferation. Particular attention was given to the roles of ERBB signaling, cellular organization, and epigenetic reprogramming in shaping cancer cell behavior during the clinically hidden stages of metastatic progression.
Dr. Hosseini also shared ongoing research exploring therapeutic opportunities to target disseminated cancer cells before overt metastases become established. By identifying vulnerabilities within these concealed cancer cell populations, his research aims to advance precision oncology approaches that enhance immune recognition, restore treatment sensitivity, and ultimately prevent metastatic disease.
The seminar provided an excellent platform for scientific exchange, fostering engaging discussions with researchers and students at NYU Abu Dhabi and highlighting opportunities for collaboration in cancer biology and precision medicine.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
