About Us: 

Carucci lab was initially established in 2003 as a collaborative initiative between Dr. John Carucci and Dr. James Krueger, Head, Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller University.  The lab began by looking at similarities and differences betweencutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a highly proliferative skin cancer with potential to invade, and psoriasis, a highly proliferative disorder that shows no invasive potential. After establishing the unique gene expression signature for cutaneous SCC, the lab began to investigate and define roles for dendritic cells, macrophages, Langerhans’ cells, regulatory T cells, and Tc22 cells in the SCC microenvironment.

In 2009 Dr. Diane Felsen, Associate Professor of Pharmacology Research in Urology at Weill Cornell Medical College, began a collaboration with Carucci lab that remains ongoing. The collaboration began with a shared interest in wound healing and now involves all aspects of cancer immunology. Later on, in 2012, the lab began a collaboration with Dr. Dan Gareau, a Biomedical Engineer and Clinical Scholar at Rockefeller. Their collaborations involve development of a line scanning trimodal confocal microscope to diagnose presence of skin cancer.

The lab officially transitioned into its NYU home in 2014 at The Ronald O. Perelman's Department of Dermatology, at Smilow Research Center and has been undergoing further growth in talent and research initiatives ever since. Currently the lab is investigating potential roles for MAGE-A3, IL-22, and PD-1 in the pathogenesis of aggressive SCC. The lab is interested in defining phenotypic, epidemiologic and molecular features of SCC that correlate with aggressive disease. We hope to see some our work translated to therapies for aggressive, inoperable SCC.

For collaboration and/or employment opportunities at our lab please contact us via the below form:

Mailing Address: 
NYU School of Medicine, Smilow 407
Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology
522 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016

Telephone Number:
646-501-0502