Michelle Farkas

Michelle Farkas, PhD

Department of Chemistry
N527 Life Science Laboratories
240 Thatcher Road
Amherst, MA 01003

(413) 545-4770
farkas@chem.umass.edu
www.umass.edu/chemistry/about/directory/michelle-farkas

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Research areas include the development of cell-based imaging and drug delivery agents and nanoparticle-based carriers for therapeutics, toward immunomodulation and the treatment of cancer.

Current Research

Our laboratory’s work involves the development and use of molecular tools to further understand, image, and treat cancer subtypes. We are using chemical methodologies to: (1) convert cells into imaging agents and investigate their use as therapeutics, (2) understand the roles of macrophages in cancer, and (3) probe the underlying association between altered circadian rhythms and cancer. This work will not only change the way that cancer is studied, but will result in new treatment strategies.

Macrophages are often associated with the tumor microenvironment, and facilitate cancer progression and metastasis while suppressing the immune response. We will directly modify these and other tumor-tropic cells with detectable agents to visualize the presence of primary tumors and metastases, and use environment-sensitive linkers to attach chemotherapeutics that will be released in a site-specific manner. We are also undertaking studies with small molecules to convert macrophages from tumor-promoting to tumor-fighting entities, to use them as therapeutics.

Improved methods for delivery of nucleic acids (RNA, DNA) can facilitate their use as treatments. In collaboration with Vincent Rotello’s group (UMass, Chemistry), we are investigating the use of nanoparticle-stabilized capsules to transport therapeutic RNA molecules across the cell membrane. These RNAs are intended to down-regulate the expression of cancer associated genes, in immunomodulation applications, and will be used in relevant models of disease.

People with altered circadian rhythms (i.e. shift-workers, frequent travelers) have been shown to be more susceptible to cancer and acquire more aggressive cancers than the general population. We are using small molecule circadian rhythm modulators to determine the effect of changes in circadian rhythm on cancer severity/metastatic potential. In instances where these molecules are shown to decrease aggression, they will be evaluated as potential drugs.

Learn more at Farkas Research Group

Academic Background

BA Wellesley College, 2001
PhD California Institute of Technology, 2010
Postdoctoral Training: DOD-BCRP Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, Berkeley, 2010-2013

  • Center for Bioactive Delivery 
  • Models to Medicine Center 
  • Biomaterials for Devices and Regenerative Medicine (BDRM) 
  • Cell Based Therapies 
  • Cellular Dynamics 
  • Engineered Models and Mechanisms in Cancer (EM2C) 
  • Infection & Immunity 
  • Nucleic Acid Delivery 
  • Organ Mimics