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Joshua Clair Snyder

Associate Professor in Surgery
Surgery, Surgical Sciences
203 Research Drive, MSRB1 475A, DUMC 2606, Durham, NC 27710
Msrbi Rm 475A, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


I am the PI of the Cancer Initiation and Cancer Cell Behavior lab. Our research objective is to determine how cancer cells adapt and grow before cancer is diagnosed. Our lab is also part of the Center for Applied therapeutics where we share our models as tools for preclinical and translational research. To learn more about our research please visit the Cancer Initiation and Cancer Cell Behavior Lab's homepage.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor in Surgery · 2025 - Present Surgery, Surgical Sciences, Surgery
Associate Professor of Cell Biology · 2022 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor in Pharmacology and Cancer Biology · 2022 - Present Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2017 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published December 2, 2019
Innovative Model Allows Researchers to Watch Cancer Cells Spread in Colon Before Cancer Is Even Detected

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Recent Publications


Precision preclinical modeling to advance cancer treatment.

Journal Article J Natl Cancer Inst · April 1, 2025 A new era of cancer management is underway in which treatments are being developed for the entire continuum of the disease process. The availability of genetically engineered and naturally occurring preclinical models serves as instructive platforms for ev ... Full text Link to item Cite

Nonlinear progression during the occult transition establishes cancer lethality.

Journal Article Dis Model Mech · March 1, 2025 Cancer screening relies upon a linear model of neoplastic growth and progression. Yet, historical observations suggest that malignant progression is uncoupled from growth, which may explain the paradoxical increase in early-stage breast cancer detection wi ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Adaptive selection of p53 mutation metaplastic phenotypes in estrogen-independent progression of ER+ tumors: A mechanism for acquired resistance to hormonal therapy.

Journal Article bioRxiv · February 6, 2025 Estrogen receptor positive (ER + ) subtypes of mammary adenocarcinoma comprise 79% of all breast cancer diagnosis and 67% of all breast cancer mortality. The paucity of models of ER + mammary cancer that mimic human disease and response to treatment has li ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


The Duke Preparing Research scholars In bioMEdical sciences (PRIME): Cancer Research Program

ResearchPreceptor · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2023 - 2028

Single Cell and Spatial Analysis of Lethal Breast Cancers

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2024 - 2028

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


University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine · 2009 Ph.D.