Dr. Selma Masri Studies the Biology of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancers Related to the Circadian Clock

Dr. Selma Masri, an Associate Professor at the University of California Irvine, is investigating the biology underlying an alarming rising trend in early-onset colorectal cancers that affect individuals between 18 - 49 years old. 

Her lab is specifically examining how alterations to the circadian clock (i.e., a person’s internal biological pacemaker, which regulates sleep patterns, metabolism, immune responses, and more) contribute to the development of colorectal tumors in young adults. They showed that disruption of the circadian clock in experimental models drives colorectal cancer progression. 

According to Dr. Masri, “There are intriguing connections between young adults and lifestyle, environmental, and behavioral factors that could be linked to the circadian clock.” Ongoing research in the Masri lab is working towards defining the links between circadian clock misalignment and the elevated incidence in early-onset colorectal cancer. For example, she explained that younger adults spend a lot of time using electronic devices, leading to longer light exposure, lengthened waking hours, and late-night eating, all of which contribute to misalignment of circadian rhythms.

Dr. Masri also investigates the role of the circadian clock in regulating immunity within the tumor microenvironment. Recent work from her laboratory shows how the peak time-of-day for immunosuppressive cells in cancer can be leveraged to optimize the efficacy and treatment outcomes of immunotherapy. 

Along with her studies focusing on the role of the circadian clock in immunity and early-onset cancer, she is working with Dr. Nick Pannunzio (a cancer disparities researcher) on a project investigating why Hispanic and Latino populations are at increased risk for colorectal cancer. Through this collaboration Dr. Masri has learned more about health disparities in cancer, including limitations in data and knowledge about biological factors related to underserved and underrepresented populations, that need to be addressed to overcome inequities.

In describing this research, she said, “We know that there are many cancer types that affect certain groups disproportionately, and understanding those disparities, including their underlying biology and etiology, is very important for cancer prevention and treatment.” 

Based on her experiences and studies as a cancer biologist, Dr. Masri views fundamental research as critical for the prevention and treatment of cancers across diverse groups: “It's critical for us to remember that basic science is the foundation of where cures start for cancer treatment.”