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Giselle Yvette López

Associate Professor in Pathology
Pathology
Box 3712 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
207M Green Zone, Duke South, DUMC Box 3712, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


I am a physician scientist with a clinical focus on neuropathology, and a research interest in brain tumors. Originally from Maryland, I completed my undergraduate training at the University of Maryland, completing degrees in Physiology and Neurobiology as well as Spanish Language and Literature. I subsequently came to Duke for my MD and PhD, and discovered a passion for brain tumor research, and quickly realized that this was my life's calling. Clinically, I specialize in neuropathology. While I have active projects and collaborations on many kinds of brain tumors, my lab's primary focus is oligodendroglioma, a kind of infiltrative brain tumor that impacts adults. Our goal is to identify new ways to treat these tumors and improve the lives of patients with oligodendrogliomas and other kinds of brain tumors. By blending together computational approaches with wet lab approaches, we use the strengths inherent in different research modalities to excel in identifying unexplored pathways and thinking outside the box to identify new ways to target this brain tumor.  We do this through research in an inclusive, multidisciplinary lab environment that strives for excellence in research while creating well-rounded, thriving scientists ready for the next step in their careers.

Research Opportunities
We currently have opportunities in the laboratory for one-year projects (ideal for post-bac fellows or third year med student research experiences). These projects are centered on identifying and testing novel therapeutic approaches for oligodendroglioma using in vitro and in vivo model systems. Please reach out if you are interested and would like to hear more about my mentoring philosophy, lab culture, and opportunities to be at the cutting edge of science.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor in Pathology · 2024 - Present Pathology, Clinical Science Departments
Assistant Professor in Neurosurgery · 2020 - Present Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2019 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published February 27, 2025
Dr. Giselle López Invited to Present on the Role of Pathologists in Big Data Studies
Published March 28, 2024
Dr. Giselle López Accepted to SNO Future Leaders Development Program
Published October 19, 2023
Dr. López Receives Spark Award from AWIS

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Recent Publications


Pediatric glioma immune profiling identifies TIM3 as a therapeutic target in BRAF fusion pilocytic astrocytoma.

Journal Article J Clin Invest · August 13, 2024 Despite being the leading cause of cancer-related childhood mortality, pediatric gliomas have been relatively understudied, and the repurposing of immunotherapies has not been successful. Whole-transcriptome sequencing, single-cell sequencing, and sequenti ... Full text Link to item Cite

Spatial transcriptomics reveals segregation of tumor cell states in glioblastoma and marked immunosuppression within the perinecrotic niche.

Journal Article Acta Neuropathol Commun · April 22, 2024 Glioblastoma (GBM) remains an untreatable malignant tumor with poor patient outcomes, characterized by palisading necrosis and microvascular proliferation. While single-cell technology made it possible to characterize different lineage of glioma cells into ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Innate Antiviral Signals for Cancer Immunotherapy

ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke · 2018 - 2028

Duke Preparing Research Scholars in Biomedical Sciences- Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027

Medical Scientist Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027

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Education, Training & Certifications


Duke University, School of Medicine · 2014 MD./PhD.
University of Maryland, College Park · 2005 B.S.
University of Maryland, College Park · 2005 B.A.