Morad Lab
Morad Lab
The Morad Laboratory studies how the microbiota, the assembly of microbes residing within the body, influences metastatic brain tumors. Using multidisciplinary preclinical and clinical approaches, the lab examines two key stages of brain metastasis: initiation and progression. A central focus of the lab is to understand how the oral and gut microbiota regulate metastatic dormancy, a poorly understood phase in which disseminated tumor cells remain inactive before they eventually form brain metastases. In parallel, the lab explores how recently discovered intra-tumoral microbial elements (Nature Medicine, 2025) shape the metastatic brain tumor microenvironment, drive disease progression, and influence response to immunotherapy. Defining these microbe-host interactions across both stages could create unique opportunities to prevent brain metastasis and improve treatment outcomes. Beyond metastatic brain tumors, the Morad Laboratory collaborates across institutions to extend microbiome research to other central nervous system malignancies, including gliomas and leptomeningeal disease (LMD), as well as extracranial cancers.
We investigate the complex interplay between the microbiome and metastatic brain tumors – from dormancy to progression to treatment response – to develop innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies for patients with brain metastases and other tumors of the central nervous system.
We envision a future where the potential of microbiome research unlocks new possibilities in the fight against brain tumors, where prevention and effective cure are within reach for every patient, and where no diagnosis is without hope.
Science thrives through diverse perspectives and shared purpose. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment where we train the next generation of scientists to work across disciplines and turn discovery into meaningful solutions for patients with brain tumors.