Miao Zhao

Researcher at Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology; Research programme: Neuro-oncology and neurodegeneration; Research group Fredrik Swartling

E-mail:: miao.zhao@igp.uu.se
Visiting address:: Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20
751 85 Uppsala
Postal address:: Rudbecklaboratoriet
751 85 UPPSALA

Download contact information for Miao Zhao at Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology; Research programme: Neuro-oncology and neurodegeneration; Research group Fredrik Swartling

Keywords

Photoreceptor tumors: Medulloblastoma; Pineoblastoma; Retinoblastoma
Mouse models
Photoreceptor gene therapy

Research

Researcher / Project leader

Medulloblastoma (MB), Pineoblastoma (PB) and Retinoblastoma (RB), three types of malignant pediatric neural brain tumors, are anatomically situated in different parts of the brain but share a common feature: an elevated expression of a photoreceptor “program”. MYC/MYCN-amplified MBs, PBs, and RBs are often histologically indistinguishable, exhibiting aggressive growth, frequent relapse after standard treatment, and a dismal prognosis. It is crucial to comprehend the origin of these photoreceptor-positive tumors and explore whether similar treatment approaches could be effective.

RESEARCH FUNDING

SciLifeLab (2019 - 2021)
Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation: Post-doc fellowship (2021-2023)
Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation: Childhood cancer research position (2025-2029)
Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation: Project grant (2026-2029)
NIH (2024-2029)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

2018: Ph.D. in Cancer Cell Biology, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.