The Matlawska Lab investigates the biology and pathogenesis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), an aggressive hematologic malignancy characterized by rapid proliferation, widespread dissemination, and poor outcomes in high-risk cases. Extensive evidence indicates that central nervous system (CNS) infiltration is a devastating complication of T-ALL that drives relapse and therapy failure. Our research explores the mechanisms by which leukemic cells breach CNS barriers, adapt to the unique meningeal microenvironment, and exploit inflammatory and other signaling pathways to survive and evade treatment. By dissecting these processes at the cellular and molecular levels, we aim to identify actionable vulnerabilities and develop targeted strategies to prevent relapse and treat CNS leukemia.

Our lab integrates a broad range of advanced research tools and methodologies to study T-ALL progression and CNS infiltration. We utilize a variety of in vivo mouse models and primary patient samples, alongside 2D and 3D co-culture systems that mimic the CNS microenvironment. Our toolkit also includes state-of-the-art imaging, multiparameter flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, multi-omics profiling, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. These powerful approaches allow us to dissect key signaling nodes and networks, probe metabolic adaptations, and evaluate novel drug combinations with precision. Our overarching goal is to identify the molecular drivers of T-ALL progression and CNS infiltration and to uncover new therapeutic vulnerabilities that can improve long-term outcomes for patients.