Vladimir Spiegelman, M.D., Ph.D.

Research Focus

Dr. Vladimir Spiegelman focuses on the molecular underpinnings of cancer, investigating how RNA‑binding proteins—particularly IGF2BP1—and their regulation of mRNA stability drive tumor development and progression. His lab explores roles of Wnt/β‑catenin signaling and extracellular vesicles in cancer metastasis, including mechanisms in melanoma and neuroblastoma.

As a Four Diamonds-supported researcher, his translational work bridges fundamental biology and pediatric oncology, with the aim of uncovering new therapeutic targets and strategies.

Most Recent Publications

• Wallis, N., Gershon, T., Shaaby, S., Oberman, F., Grunewald, M., Duran, D., Singh, A., Vainer, G., Spiegelman, V. S., Sharma, A., & Yisraeli, J. K. (Accepted/In press). AVJ16 inhibits lung carcinoma by targeting IGF2BP1. Oncogene, 44(35), 3239-3254. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41388-025-03449-2
• Ding, Y., He, B., Bogush, D., Schramm, J., Singh, C., Dovat, K., Randazzo, J., Tukaramrao, D., Hengst, J., Annageldiyev, C., Kudva, A., Desai, D., Sharma, A., Spiegelman, V. S., Huang, S., Viet, C. T., Dorsam, G., Saulnier Scholler, G., Broach, J., … Dovat, S. (2025). Critical roles of IKAROS and HDAC1 in regulation of heterochromatin and tumor suppression in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia, 39(8), 2010-2020. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41375-025-02651-1
• Wills, C. A., Liu, X., Chen, L., Zhao, Y., Liu, Z., Spiegelman, V. S., Sundstrom, J., & Wang, H. G. (2024). Chemotherapy-induced small extracellular vesicles prime the pre-metastatic niche to accelerate neuroblastoma metastasis. Genes and Diseases, 11(4), Article 101017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gendis.2023.05.016
• Singh, A., Singh, V., Wallis, N., Abis, G., Oberman, F., Wood, T., Dhamdhere, M., Gershon, T., Ramos, A., Yisraeli, J., Spiegelman, V. S., & Sharma, A. K. (2024). Development of a specific and potent IGF2BP1 inhibitor: A promising therapeutic agent for IGF2BP1-expressing cancers. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 263, Article 115940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115940

Impact Statement

As the THON Chair for Pediatric Cancer Research, Dr. Spiegelman plays a critical leadership role in translating molecular discoveries into clinically relevant approaches. His work on RNA-binding proteins helps reveal new vulnerabilities in cancer—creating opportunities for innovative treatments that benefit children with cancer.