Rate My Professor Susan Waltz

Dr. Waltz's research investigates molecular mechanisms by which cell-surface receptor tyrosine kinases and growth factors regulate cancer growth, metastasis, and inflammation, with a focus on receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, tumor microenvironment, breast and prostate cancer, stem cell biology, macrophages and tumorigenesis, and therapeutic resistance. Key contributions highlight the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase's overexpression inducing aggressive, metastatic breast cancers; its regulation of prostate cancer growth via tumor angiogenesis; and its role in modulating macrophage cytokine and chemokine production during acute tissue injury. Her laboratory employs in vivo gene-targeted murine models, primary cell isolations, and orthotopic transplantation models to study Ron signaling pathways, positioning it as a novel therapeutic target. Awards include the Basil O’Connor Award from March of Dimes (1999-2001), Scientist Development Award from the American Heart Association (1999-2002), and National Research Service Award postdoctoral fellowship (1996-1997). Representative publications are 'RON-augmented cholesterol biosynthesis in breast cancer metastatic progression and recurrence' (Oncogene, 2023), 'Macrophage-mediated RON signaling supports breast cancer growth and progression through modulation of IL-35' (Oncogene, 2022), 'Prostate tumor RON receptor signaling mediates macrophage recruitment to drive androgen deprivation therapy resistance through Gas6-mediated Axl and RON signaling' (The Prostate, 2022), and 'An Introduction and Overview of RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling' (Genes, 2023).