Andrea Comba, Ph.D.
Hosting: Interview Room
Department: Pathology/Neuropathology
Description: The Comba Laboratory, located within the Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, focuses on understanding how tumor-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling reshapes the brain microenvironment to promote glioblastoma (GBM) progression. Our central goal is to define how reactive astrocytes are reprogrammed by mesenchymal glioma niches and how these interactions drive tumor invasion and therapeutic resistance. We use an integrated translational approach that combines orthotopic syngeneic and patient-derived xenograft models, patient-derived glioma organoid slices, spatial transcriptomics (10X Visium HD), multiplex RNA in situ hybridization, and high-resolution live confocal imaging. By bridging molecular profiling with functional invasion assays, our team dissects tumor–astrocyte crosstalk at single-cell and spatial resolution.
The lab includes graduate students, research staff, and undergraduate trainees, fostering a collaborative and mentorship-driven environment. We work closely with experts in neuropathology, astrocyte biology, ECM signaling, and bioinformatics across UAB, enabling interdisciplinary investigation of tumor–brain interactions. Through integration with the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, trainees gain exposure to translational neuro-oncology, spatial genomics, and quantitative imaging. Our mission is to uncover mechanistic vulnerabilities within the tumor microenvironment that can be therapeutically targeted to limit GBM invasion while training the next generation of cancer neuroscientists.
About the PI: Originally from Argentina, Dr. Andrea Comba built her career across countries before launching her neuro-oncology lab at UAB. She studies astrocyte–tumor interactions by day and enjoys mentoring young scientists, traveling, cooking and exploring science and nature with her husband and toddler son.