Maria Castro

Maria G. Castro, Ph.D.

Michigan Neuroscience Institute Affiliate
R.C. Schneider Collegiate Professor of Neurosurgery
Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology
Director, NIH Cancer Biology Training Grant

Medical Science Research Building II1150
West Medical Center Drive
Room 4570
Ann Arbor MI 48109-0650

734-764-0850

Areas of Interest

Dr. Castro's research program focuses on epigenetic regulation of cancer progression, uncovering the role of oncometabolites in the brain tumor microenvironment (TME), and developing new therapies for adult and pediatric gliomas, including DIPG. Her lab investigates the role of the tumor immune-microenvironment in tumor progression and its response to therapeutics, the crosstalk between cancer cells and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, and the mechanisms affecting the migration of immune cells from peripheral lymphoid organs to the tumor microenvironment. The study of these basic immunological mechanisms will lead to clinical implementation.

My program aims to develop novel treatments for brain tumors based on immunotherapeutics, a new and exciting approach that targets inhibition of tumor growth and recurrence.

Honors & Awards

  • Chair, Program Committee, American Society of Cell and Gene Therapy 15th Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA (2011–12)
  • Appointed the R. C. Schneider Collegiate Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School (2013)
  • Top Female Professional in Neurosurgery and Neuroscience in Worldwide Who’s Who. Lifetime designation. Worldwide Branding, Uniondale, New York (2014)
  • Appointed to the U-M President’s Advisory Commission on Women’s Issues (2014)

Published Articles or Reviews

A complete list of Dr. Castro's recent publications is located here.

Web Sites