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James Amatruda, MD, PhD

@amatrudalab.bsky.social
505 followers 337 following 33 posts

Pediatric oncologist and physician-scientist | Opinions my own We use tumor genomics 🧬 and #zebrafish models 🎏 to develop new approaches for childhood cancers #sarcoma #Wilmstumor #GCT

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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
@bilderlab @bilderlab.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Now out in Annu Rev Cancer Biol: "Beyond Mice and Men." We think of cancer as a disease of humans, as well as pets 🐈‍⬛ 🐕 & lab mice. But cancer is found across the animal tree of life, including clams and fruit flies. Comparative oncology has a lot to teach us. 🧵 www.annualreviews.org/content/jour...
annualreviews.org
Beyond Mice and Men: Alternative Vertebrate and Invertebrate Models in Cancer Biology
While cancer looms large in the public and scientific minds, this can result in a quite narrow view of its range and manifestations. The centering of human clinical investigations and the popularity o...
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Zebrafish Disease Models Society (ZDMS) @zdmsociety.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Our second example was led by @kendalllab.bsky.social in @amatrudalab.bsky.social. They used human PAX3-FOXO1 fusion genes to drive tumors in zebrafish. Using these transgenic fish, they identified HES3 as a mediator of rhabdomyosarcoma tumorigenesis. It is now a biomarker for aggressive tumors. 3/3
elifesciences.org
PAX3-FOXO1 transgenic zebrafish models identify HES3 as a mediator of rhabdomyosarcoma tumorigenesis
The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, HES3, acts downstream of the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion oncogene to impair muscle differentiation and promote tumorigenesis in rhabdomyosarcoma, a childhood mus...
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Zebrafish Disease Models Society (ZDMS) @zdmsociety.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Our first example was led by @evasileva.bsky.social in @amatrudalab.bsky.social. Their research determined the origin of Ewing Sarcoma to be reprogrammed neural crest cells that become mesoderm and drive aggressive tumors. This discovery identifies a potential therapeutic target for physicians. 2/3
sciencedirect.com
Origin of Ewing sarcoma by embryonic reprogramming of neural crest to mesoderm
Ewing sarcoma is a malignant small round blue cell tumor caused by chromosomal translocations that generate aberrant fusion oncogenes, most frequently…
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Zebrafish Disease Models Society (ZDMS) @zdmsociety.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month 🎗️ With the help of the tiny but mighty zebrafish, researchers are expanding what we know about these aggressive cancers 🐟👩‍🔬 Learn more about the research that is making tank-to-bedside impacts on patients ⬇️ 1/3 #KnowYourZDM #zebrafish #ZDMS #sarcoma #DiseaseModels
Image of a yellow ribbon signifying Sarcoma Awareness Month next to an adult zebrafish with blue and yellow stripes. Text reads 'JULY IS SARCOMA AWARENESS MONTH'
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Fantastic! Highly recommended for anyone looking to do great science with a brilliant and wonderful mentor!
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Please join us for what should be a great meeting!
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Máté Varga @mvargam.eurosky.social · 02/01/2026
Over the past weeks I have been reading the earliest papers on zebrafish development, and came to realize that in the “canonized" version of zebrafish history we neglect some important people pre-Streisinger. I will try to correct here the record. Let’s start with Edward C. Roosen-Runge. (1/7)
Photograph and signature of Edward Roosen-Runge taken from an obituary.
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
DMM Journal @dmmjournal.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
We have a fantastic line up of speakers for our 2026 Journal Meeting organised by @amatrudalab.bsky.social, @bandolab.bsky.social, @banitolab.bsky.social and Elaine Mardis @nationwidekids.bsky.social! 🚨Register your interest now so you're first to get updates🚨 www.biologists.com/meetings/dmm...
Graphic for the Disease Models & Mechanisms meeting: “Innovative Preclinical Models for Pediatric Cancer Research”. This is scheduled for 13–15 October 2026 at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio, USA. The design includes a green button labeled “Register your interest,” and a microscopy image of fluorescent cells.
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Sarada Ketharnathan @saradakethar.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
#zdmsECI is excited to showcase our #zdm18 oral abstract presenters. First up is Elena Vasileva. She will be giving a talk titled “Development of Ewing Sarcoma Through Embryonic Reprogramming of Neural Crest to Mesoderm”. #ZDMSociety
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Elena Vasileva @evasileva.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
1/9 Thrilled to share that our paper, “Origin of Ewing sarcoma by embryonic reprogramming of neural crest to mesoderm,” is now published in @cp-cellreports.bsky.social! @amatrudalab.bsky.social @crumplab.bsky.social www.cell.com/cell-reports...
cell.com
Origin of Ewing sarcoma by embryonic reprogramming of neural crest to mesoderm
Using a zebrafish genetic model of Ewing sarcoma, Vasileva et al. provide evidence for a neural crest origin of the disease. These findings offer new insight into how a single oncogenic fusion can hij...
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Doctors for America @drsforamerica.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Medicaid Covers • 42% of all children nationwide • 77% of children living in poverty in the U.S. • 44% of children and youth with special health care needs nationwide • 41% of births in the U.S. • 37% of U.S. children with cancer • 99% of children and youth in foster care
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
From NYT: "Earlier this year, the Trump administration cut about $1 billion in federal aid to anti-hunger groups, according to the national advocacy group Feeding America." How, exactly, will cutting food aid and medical research "Make America Healthy Again"? www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/u...
nytimes.com
After Trump Aid Cuts, Food Banks Scrounge and Scrimp
In one of the country’s poorest areas, the quantity and quality of government deliveries have dropped, forcing one charity to make do with thin soup and dried cranberries.
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Wonderful to see this support from @cancerdatalab.bsky.social and @alexslemonade.bsky.social for brilliant early stage investigators like @evasileva.bsky.social and Dr. Wafula!
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Doctors for America @drsforamerica.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Measles cases are still rising in Texas. Here's what you should know about the contagious virus apnews.com/article/meas...
apnews.com
Measles cases are still rising in Texas. Here's what you should know about the contagious virus
Measles outbreaks in West Texas and New Mexico now have more than 250 cases total. Two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Visiting Boston to discuss pediatric Germ Cell Cancers. We took time out to #standupforscience
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
The Company of Biologists @biologists.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Today we are highlighting Liz Patton, the current Editor-in-Chief of @dmmjournal.bsky.social and an MRC Investigator at the @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social, as an extraordinary biologist. To know more about DMM and Liz’s role, read this Editorial: doi.org/10.1242/dmm.... #100biologists
The Company of Biologists 100 logo to the left and QR code to the right.
 
Portrait of Liz Patton to the left, text to the right
 
100 extraordinary biologists

Liz Patton

Liz Patton is the current Disease Models & Mechanisms Editor-in-Chief after serving as Editor since 2014. As MRC Investigator at The University of Edinburgh, UK, she uses chemical genetic approaches in zebrafish to investigate gene-drug interactions in melanocyte development and melanoma biology.

#100biologists #biologists100
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
For those in the USA, please contact your elected officials and ask them to support children with cancer. The Give Kids a Chance act will advance new therapies for pediatric cancer patients. #CANsky #medsky www.congressweb.com/KVC/12/
congressweb.com
ASK CONGRESS TO PASS THE GIVE KIDS A CHANCE ACT
Do one thing for kids with cancer today --fill out this form. Ask Congress to pass the Give Kids a Chance Act, which includes: * Give Kids a Chance Act * Creating Hope Reauthorization Act PR...
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Just wanted to acknowledge the leadership and generosity of @blockintheback.bsky.social in maintaining this priceless resource for more than a decade. The efforts Dr. Kwan put forth with Chi-Bin Chien, Nathan Lawson and Koichi Kawakami have revolutionized zebrafish research. Thank you Kristen!!
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Great opportunity studying development, disease and powerful in vivo models, with a fantastic mentor!
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Childhood Cancer Data Lab @cancerdatalab.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
Hello! We’re the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Childhood Cancer Data Lab. 👋 We build data and analysis tools and offer workshops designed to accelerate pediatric cancer research. Check us out at ccdatalab.org! We’re excited to connect with the community and share our resources with you.
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
DMM Journal @dmmjournal.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
📅This Friday 17 January 2025 is the last day to submit your abstracts for our one-day programme on #AMR at the Biologists @ 100 conference. #biologists100 Submit your abstracts here 100yearsconference.biologists.com/abstracts/
Interdisciplinary approaches to combatting antimicrobial resistance
Organised by Katherine Duncan and Serge Mostowy - 26 March 2025

Part of Biologists @ 100 
24 - 27 March 2025, ACC Liverpool, UK

Register now
Extended abstract deadline
17 January 2025

The Company of Biologists 100 logo to the left and Disease Models & Mechanisms logo to the right.
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
Congratulations Alejandro, Alex and all authors. Can't wait to see this!
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
A huge thank you to the Concern Foundation (concernfoundation.org) for bringing holiday cheer, gifts for our hematology-oncology patients (and Santa!) to Children's Hospital Los Angeles. This is just a small part of the great work Concern does to help patients and families facing cancer.
A doctor and Santa Claus standing at the nursing station in a children's hospital
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Jim Myers @kidneystories.bsky.social · 01/01/2025
Results from National Wilms Tumor Study-5 and Children's Oncology Group Study AREN0321. - goo.gl/alerts/3YxDQM #GoogleAlerts
goo.gl
Rhabdoid Tumor of the Kidney and Soft Tissues: Results from National Wilms Tumor Study-5 and Children's Oncology Group Study AREN0321.
National Wilms Tumor Study-5 (NWTS-5) and AREN0321 evaluated the outcomes of children with rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK) and malignant rhabdoid tumor of soft tissues (MRT).Eligible patients with ...
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
DMM Journal @dmmjournal.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
Issue 11 is done and dusted 🧪 🔬. On the cover: Immunofluorescence image of a sagittal section of mouse cerebellar tissue showing colocalization of the Purkinje neuron marker calbindin (green) & PACT/RAX (red). Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). journals.biologists.com/dmm/issue/1…
Cover of latest issue of Disease Models & Mechanisms. 

PRKRA (PACT/RAX) protein expression in Purkinje neurons. Immunofluorescence image of a sagittal section of mouse cerebellar tissue showing colocalization of the Purkinje neuron marker calbindin (green) and PACT/RAX (red). Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). See article by Burnett et al. (dmm050929). Cover image is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Science Magazine @science.org · 05/12/2024
Two new studies in Science describe synthetic biology-based strategies that expand the possibilities of harnessing immune cells to treat disease. Learn more in this week's issue: scim.ag/49nfztS
An engineered T cell (center) is designed to deliver therapies to the brain. This T cell displays orange synthetic receptors on its surface, which recognize components of extracellular matrix fibers that are only found in the brain. Within the cell, downstream signaling pathways are programmed to initiate transcription and release a therapeutic payload—shown as light blue protein secretions.
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
Great new preprint from @kennethschen.bsky.social! Congratulations to the team!
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Maryam Lustberg MD MPH FASCO @maryamlustberg.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
A number of #AYA cancer survivors experience insurance and financial hardships, including foregoing medical care due to financial constraints, problems paying medical bills, and difficulties accessing loans or insurances. #survonc #ayacsm link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com
Insurance, legal, and financial hardships of childhood and adolescent cancer survivors—a systematic review - Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Purpose Childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CACS) experience medical and psychosocial adverse effects. Attention widens to include issues such as socio-bureaucratic hardships. This systematic r...
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
TheLovelyLab @thelovelylab.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
I know it's Black Friday and all but had to add a pop of color for #FluorescenceFriday. This is also a sneak peak for Raeden Gray's first accepted manu outta the lab. Overlapping expression of a couple of RA receptors and the endoderm (sox17:gfp). #traineesfirstmanu
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Gabrielle Brewer @gabriellebrewer.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
#NatureReviewsCancer🚨 The #CancerDepMap is an invaluable, publicly available resource for systemically identifying cancer vulnerabilities. In this #Perspective, Bill Hahn & team (@broadinstitute.org) review its impact, uses, limitations & efforts to improve + expand its use. go.nature.com/4fiZ6sw
go.nature.com
The present and future of the Cancer Dependency Map - Nature Reviews Cancer
The Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) is a data repository and research platform that can be utilized to systematically identify cancer vulnerabilities. Here Arafeh, Shibue et al. outline the current lim...
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Johanna Joyce @johannajoyce.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
Women are under-represented at senior levels in #academia globally, & across all #science 🧪 disciplines, as shown by these "scissor-shaped curves" ✂️ So how can we ever achieve #gender #equality? We discuss various strategies in this #Cell Commentary #WomeninSTEM www.cell.com/cell/fulltex... 🧵 1/
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Merlin Lange @merlinlange.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
Big news: Our #Zebrahub paper is out in #Cell! A timecourse atlas of zebrafish embryonic development combining #scRNAseq & #lightsheet, to undersdand progenitor dynamics. 📄 Read: cell.com/cell/fulltex... 🌐 Explore: zebrahub.sf.czbiohub.org #DevBio #Biology #Zebrafish Big thanks to all authors!
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Reposted by James Amatruda, MD, PhD
Jessica Tsai, MD, PhD @jestsai.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
The Tsai Lab is actively recruiting for a Post-Doctoral Fellow! We are looking for a passionate and motivated scientist to join our team at @ChildrensLA to lead projects focused on embryonal brain tumors and diffuse midline gliomas. Please reach out! 🧠 jobs.chla.org/careers-home...
jobs.chla.org
Fellow-Post Doc-Research / Tsai Lab in Los Angeles, California | Children's Hospital Los Angeles
CHLA Careers | Careers Home is hiring a Fellow-Post Doc-Research / Tsai Lab in Los Angeles, California. Review all of the job details and apply today!
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
About research in amatrudalab: we are a diverse group of scientists united around the goal of understanding the mechanisms of oncogenic transformation in the relevant spatial and temporal developmental context. Ultimately we aim to translate this understanding into new therapies.
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
I'm privileged to lead a wonderful group of brilliant people at the Division of Hematology-Oncology and Cancer and Blood Disease Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
I strongly believe that collaboration between basic and translational scientists, HCPs (nurses, APPs, pharmacists, social workers, physicians etc!) and patients, families and advocates is the way forward. We must develop treatments that are more effective, and less toxic for our patients
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James Amatruda, MD, PhD @amatrudalab.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
Hello! 👋. I'm Jim, a pediatric oncologist and physician-scientist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. I'm passionate about improving outcomes for children with cancer and blood disorders.
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