The Arbab Laboratory
Ali Arbab, MD, PhD
Professor
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Professor, Department of Radiology
Professor, School of Graduate Studies
Director, Human 3T Research MRI Core
Georgia Cancer Center
Medical College of Georgia
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Jump to: Research SummaryImpact on Georgia patientsResearch FocusPublicationsTeam
Contact Us
The Ali Arbab Lab
Health Sciences Campus
1410 Laney Walker Blvd., CN3315
(706) 721-
8909 (Office)
(706) 721-4375 (Lab)
Research Summary
Our laboratory focuses on developing engineered exosomes and nanoparticle-based therapeutics to target bone marrow-derived and resident immunosuppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Our primary research models include glioblastoma (GBM) and breast cancer. Previous studies from our group have demonstrated that bone marrow-derived cells play a critical role in shaping the TME following therapy, contributing to treatment resistance, neovascularization, tumor recurrence, and distant metastasis.
To investigate the role of bone marrow cells in tumor progression and therapeutic response, we utilize transgenic, chimeric, and wild-type animal models, including both syngeneic and immunocompromised systems. Our research has established that tumor-recruited bone marrow cells consist predominantly of a heterogeneous myeloid cell population that serves as a key determinant of therapeutic outcomes in cancer. Building on these findings, we are developing nanomedicine-based approaches, including engineered therapeutic exosomes and nanoparticle drug delivery systems, to selectively target myeloid cells within the TME and enhance the efficacy of FDA-approved anticancer therapies in preclinical models of glioblastoma and breast cancer.
Impact on Patients in Georgia
Glioblastoma remains the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor
in adults. Data from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS)
and regional studies indicate that the incidence of GBM in Georgia and South Carolina
mirrors trends observed throughout the southeastern United States.
A statewide study in Georgia reported an annual age-standardized incidence rate of
10.62 per 100,000 for all primary brain tumors, with glioblastoma representing the
most common malignant subtype. Recent analyses suggest a gradual increase in GBM incidence
across the region.
Importantly, our exosome- and nanoparticle-based delivery platforms are highly adaptable and can be redirected to other cancer types through incorporation of disease-specific targeting ligands. One important application is breast cancer, which continues to represent a major public health burden in both Georgia and South Carolina. Recent state cancer statistics indicate annual breast cancer incidence rates of approximately 130–136 cases per 100,000 women, accounting for thousands of new diagnoses each year. Incidence rates continue to rise, particularly among younger women, while significant racial disparities persist, with higher mortality rates observed among Black women despite lower incidence compared with White women.
By developing targeted biological nanoparticle platforms capable of modulating the tumor microenvironment, our research seeks to identify novel therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma and breast cancer, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients throughout Georgia, South Carolina, and beyond.
Research Focus
- Modulation of the tumor microenvironment using engineered exosomes, nanoparticles, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and small-molecule therapeutics, including CYP4A/20-HETE inhibitors.
- Development of clinically translatable molecular and cellular imaging approaches using advanced imaging modalities.
- Stem cell- and exosome-based therapeutic strategies for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
- Investigation of disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions in glioblastoma, breast cancer, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), stroke, myocardial infarction, and other cardiovascular disorders.
View Pure Research Profile
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Adeniyi, M., Parvin, M., Akter, K., , Quirino, R. L. & Khan, M., Dec 2026, In: BioMedical Engineering Online. 25, 1, 49. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
SPAN Consortium, Mar 2026, In: Lab Animal. 55, 3, p. 74-82 9 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Chauhan, A., Lee, E. A., Patel, R. B., Kumskova, M., Leira, E. C., Chauhan, A. K., Shi, Y., Cao, S., Koehler, R. C., , , , , , Herman, A. L., Boisserand, L., Sansing, L. H., Morais, A., Jin, X. & Aykan, S. & 8 others, , Mar 1 2026, In: Neuropharmacology. 285, 110801. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Chauhan, A., Lee, E. A., Patel, R. B., Kumskova, M., Leira, E. C., Chauhan, A., Shi, Y., Cao, S., Koehler, R. C., , , , , , Herman, A. L., Boisserand, L., Sansing, L. H., Morais, A., Jin, X. & Aykan, S. & 8 others, , Feb 3 2026, In: Journal of the American Heart Association. 15, 4, p. 1-14 14 p., e043220. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
, Bhandari, B., Emami Naeini, S., Yu, J. C., , , & , 2026, In: Frontiers in Oncology. 16, 1776061. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
, Bhandari, B., Naeini, S. E., Hill, B., Rogers, H. M., Gouron, J., Perez-Morales, N., Khan, A., Meeks, W., , , , Ali, S., Wallace, G., Yu, J. C., , & , Jan 2026, In: International journal of molecular sciences. 27, 2, 757. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Khan, M., Ferdaus, J., Akter, K., Ahmed, H., Parvin, M., Kashif, S. & , Jun 2025, In: Biomedical Technology. 10, 100085. Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review |
Cai, L., Kar, P., , Chu, X., , , & Raju, R. P., Apr 2025, In: Journal of Extracellular Vesicles. 14, 4, e70065. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
, , Siddiqui, S., Williams, D., , Naeini, S. E., , , , & , Apr 2025, In: Translational Stroke Research. 16, 2, p. 421-437 17 p., e571. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Alptekin, A., , Parvin, M., Chowdhury, H., Kashif, S., Selina, F. A., Bushra, A., Kelleher, J., , Williams, D., Blumling, E., Ara, R., , Frank, J. A., & , 2025, In: Frontiers in Neurology. 16, p. 1543133 Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Alptekin, A., , Parvin, M., Chowdhury, H., Kashif, S., Selina, F. A., Bushra, A., Kelleher, J., , Williams, D., Blumling, E., Ara, R., , Frank, J. A., & , 2025, In: Frontiers in Neurology. 16, 1543133. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Khan, M., Yamasta, A., Parvin, M., Ferdaus, J., Ahmed, H. & , Dec 2024, In: Micro and Nano Systems Letters. 12, 1, 18. Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter › peer-review |
, Gulhane, M., Ahluwalia, P., Kumar, M., Ahluwalia, M., Rafiq, A. M., Amble, V., Zabala, M. G., Miller, J. B., Goldman, L., , , , & , Dec 2024, In: GeroScience. 46, 6, p. 5439-5457 19 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
, Chagas, P. S., , Naeini, S. E., Gouron, J., Rogers, H. M., Khodadadi, H., Bhandari, B., Alptekin, A., Qin, X., , Costigliola, V., , , , Rutkowski, M. J., Yu, J. C. & , Jun 2024, In: Medical Oncology. 41, 6, 140. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
, Alam, H., Siddiqui, S., Shaikh, M. F., Sharma, A., Rehman, A., , & , Apr 2024, In: Translational Stroke Research. 15, 2, p. 446-461 16 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Parvin, M., Rashid, M. H. & , Jan 2024, Myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Academic Press Inc., p. 105-118 14 p. (Methods in Cell Biology; vol. 184). Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter |
Khodadadi, H., , Alptekin, A., Mehrabian, D., Rutkowski, M., , , Yu, J. C., Morgan, J. C., , , & , Oct 1 2023, In: Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 8, 5, p. 824-834 11 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Lyden, P. D., Diniz, M. A., Bosetti, F., Lamb, J., Nagarkatti, K. A., Rogatko, A., Kim, S., Cabeen, R. P., Koenig, J. I., Akhter, K., , Avery, B. D., Beatty, H. E., Bibic, A., Cao, S., Boisserand, L. S. B., Chamorro, A., Chauhan, A., Diaz-Perez, S. & & 29 others, , Sep 20 2023, In: Science Translational Medicine. 15, 714, eadg8656. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Cabeen, R. P., Mandeville, J., Hyder, F., Sanganahalli, B. G., Thedens, D. R., , Huang, S., Bibic, A., Tarakci, E., Mihailovic, J., Morais, A., Lamb, J., Nagarkatti, K., Toga, A. W., Lyden, P. & Ayata, C., 2023, 2023 IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging, ISBI 2023. IEEE Computer Society, (Proceedings - International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging; vol. 2023-April). Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution |
Khan, M., Hasan, M. M., Barnett, A., Piranlioglu, R., Rashid, M., Alptekin, A. & , Dec 2022, In: Cancer Nanotechnology. 13, 1, 6. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Alptekin, A., Parvin, M., Chowdhury, H. I., Rashid, M. H. & , Nov 2022, In: Immunological Reviews. 312, 1, p. 76-102 27 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review |
, Monroe, D., Carver, K., Usoro, E. R., Alptekin, A., , Osuka, S., & , Sep 2022, In: Cancers. 14, 18, 4490. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Doughty, D., , Trang, A., Alptekin, A., Korkaya, A. K., Achyut, B. R., & , Aug 2022, In: Experimental Biology and Medicine. 247, 16, p. 1433-1446 14 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Cai, L., , , , Thomas, B., Igarashi, K. & Raju, R. P., Aug 1 2022, In: Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 188, p. 134-145 12 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Lyden, P. D., Bosetti, F., Diniz, M. A., Rogatko, A., Koenig, J. I., Lamb, J., Nagarkatti, K. A., Cabeen, R. P., , Kamat, P. K., , Wood, K., , , Leira, E. C., Chauhan, A. K., Dhanesha, N., Patel, R. B., Kumskova, M. & Thedens, D. & 23 others, , May 1 2022, In: Stroke. 53, 5, p. 1802-1812 11 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Alptekin, A., , Ara, R., Rashid, M. H., Kong, F., Parvin, M., Frank, J. A., Chopra, R., & , Jun 1 2021, In: Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology. 17, 6, p. 1170-1183 14 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Elashiry, M., , Elashiry, M. M., Rashid, M. H., Ara, R., , , Hamrick, M., , , , & Cutler, C. W., Mar 25 2021, In: Frontiers in immunology. 12, 636222. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Rashid, M. H., Borin, T. F., Ara, R., Piranlioglu, R., Achyut, B. R., Korkaya, H., & , Mar 2021, In: Oncology Reports. 45, 3, p. 1171-1181 11 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Ali, S., Borin, T. F., Piranlioglu, R., Ara, R., Lebedyeva, I., Angara, K., Achyut, B. R., & Rashid, M. H., Feb 2021, In: PloS one. 16, 2 February, e0246646. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
, Jan 1 2021, New Targeting in the Reversal of Resistant Glioblastomas. Elsevier, p. 1-7 7 p. Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter |
Angara, K., Rashid, M. H. & , Jan 1 2021, New Targeting in the Reversal of Resistant Glioblastomas. Elsevier, p. 65-81 17 p. Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter |
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, Jan 1 2021, New Targeting in the Reversal of Resistant Glioblastomas. Elsevier, p. xv-xvii Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Foreword/postscript |
Piranlioglu, R., & , Jan 1 2021, New Targeting in the Reversal of Resistant Glioblastomas. Elsevier, p. 115-144 30 p. Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter |
Sayed, M. A., Eldahshan, W., Abdelbary, M., Pillai, B., Althomali, W., Johnson, M. H., , Ergul, A. & Fagan, S. C., Dec 2020, In: Scientific reports. 10, 1, 20233. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Yu, M., , Huang, L., Deng, L., Chang, C. S., Achyut, B. R., Canning, M., Xu, N., , , Rodriguez, P. C., Mellor, A. L., , & , Dec 1 2020, In: Nature communications. 11, 1, 515. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Rashid, M. H., Borin, T. F., Ara, R., Alptekin, A., & , Jul 1 2020, In: Advanced Therapeutics. 3, 7, 1900209. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
, Braun, M., Alverson, K., Khodadadi, H., Kutiyanawalla, A., Ward, A., Banerjee, C., Sparks, T., Malik, A., Rashid, M. H., Rashid, M. H., , Waters, M. F., , , , Hoda, N., Hoda, N., Hoda, N. & & 1 others, , May 2020, In: Science Advances. 6, 22, p. eaax8847 EAAX8847. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Achyut, B. R., Zhang, H., Angara, K., , & Ko, L., Apr 28 2020, In: Cancer Letters. 476, p. 57-66 10 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
Shalaby, S., Khater, M., Laknaur, A., & Al-Hendy, A., Feb 1 2020, In: Reproductive Sciences. 27, 2, p. 644-654 11 p. Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review |
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Research Team
