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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Faculty Research Labs

Shahbazi Lab

Welcome to the Shahbazi Lab! Our research group is focused on understanding and harnessing the power of immune engineering, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. We apply cutting-edge technologies including CRISPR-based gene editing, exosome biology, single-cell multi-omics and advanced cell therapies to develop next-generation solutions for hematological malignancies, cancer and immune dysfunctions.

members of the shahbazi lab in front of the cancer center

Focus Areas

  • In vivo CRISPR genome engineering and delivery systems
  • Exosome-based enhancement of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation
  • CAR-T and γδ T cell immunotherapies for breast and hematological cancers
  • Mechanisms of non-coding RNAs in cancer progression
  • Single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics for immune cell characterization

 

an illustration of a cell

Current Projects

  • In vivo CRISPR delivery platforms for thalassemia and sickle cell disease
  • Developing prostate cancer-specific CRISPR nanoformulations
  • Single-cell multiomics strategies to understand the immunomodulatory effects of cancer-derived exosomes
  • Investigating the role of exosome stimulation in improving HSC engraftment and immune reconstitution
  • Identification and engineering of triple-negative breast cancer-specific γδ TCRs

View a full list of publications



medical illustration of lungs and blood cells

Featured Journal Covers

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Lab Members

reza shahbazi

Reza Shahbazi, PhD

Assistant Professor of Medicine
Principal Investigator

Reza Shahbazi, PhD, is an assistant professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. He is a member of the Brown Center for Immunotherapy and the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research integrates gene editing, exosome biology and cellular immunotherapy to develop next-generation treatments for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.

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noah richardson

Noah H. Richardson, MD

Former Medical Oncology Fellow
Current Clinical Faculty

Noah Richardson, MD, previously served as a medical oncology fellow in Dr. Shahbazi's lab and is now a clinical faculty member specializing in genitourinary oncology. His research focuses on developing next-generation CRISPR-based nanoformulations for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. He is also advancing CRISPR-induced immunotherapy strategies for melanoma.

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Sanam Rezaei Benam, MS

Sanam Rezaei Benam, MS

Research Analyst

Sanam is a molecular biologist currently serving as a research analyst. She designs experimental methodologies and analytical strategies to study exosomal communication with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Her work aims to enhance the efficiency of bone marrow transplantation through targeted exosome-based interventions.

stephen cieslak

Stephen Cieslak

PhD Candidate

Stephen is a PhD candidate in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Indiana University. His research focuses on developing a novel immunotherapy approach for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by engineering γδ T cell receptors (TCRs). His work aims to enhance the specificity and efficacy of immune-based therapies against hard-to-treat cancers.

brianna lane

Brianna Lane

IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Summer Intern

Brianna is a student at Indiana University Kokomo majoring in biology with a pre-med focus. She is a summer intern for the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Educational Pathways for Summer Research (EPCR) program. Her project focuses on developing leukemia- and lymphoma-specific CAR-T cells using CRISPR-based nanoformulations, aiming to enhance precision and potency in immunotherapy.

mia ichikawa

Miu Ichikawa

IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Future Scientist

Miu is a summer student participating in the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Future Scientist Program. During her summer research experience, she is working in our laboratory on projects focused on cancer immunotherapy and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.