Douglas Stairs, PhD

My research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that drive the initiation and progression of esophageal and head and neck squamous cancers, with particular attention to how tumor suppressors and oncogenes synergize to reshape the tumor environment and promote invasion. A major focus of my work has been p120-catenin, including how its loss cooperates with EGFR signaling, activates NFκB–linked programs such as Twist2, and contributes to tumorigenesis and therapy resistance in esophageal and related squamous cancers. I have also worked on black raspberries as a chemopreventive strategy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including how black raspberries regulate p120-catenin and related signaling pathways, reflecting my broader interest in cancer prevention and early intervention. More recently, my research has expanded into translational and targeted therapy approaches, including near-infrared-triggered nanoparticle delivery of miR-34a for esophageal cancer treatment.