We are revealing how caspases drive cancer and inflammation
We investigate how caspases—key enzymes that act like cellular scissors, cutting up other proteins in a highly controlled way—regulate cell death, DNA repair, cell division, and immune responses. Our lab combines advanced imaging, molecular biology, and translational models to uncover therapeutic vulnerabilities in AML and sickle cell disease.
Our Research
Tumorigenesis and Genomic Stability
Caspases play complex roles in cancer biology, acting both to promote tumor proliferation in some contexts and suppress tumorigenesis in others. Our work focuses on caspase-2’s mechanistic roles and therapeutic potential across cancers where genomic stability is pivotal, including but not limited to AML and breast cancer.
Sickle Cell Disease and Vascular Inflammation
Sickle cell disease (SCD) causes chronic inflammation driven by hemolysis and extracellular heme, resulting in severe complications. Our lab revealed how inflammatory caspases—activated by heme—trigger pyroptosis and cytokine release, contributing to disease pathology and identifies caspase pathways as candidate intervention targets.
Meet Dr. Lisa Bouchier-Hayes
Dr. Lisa Bouchier-Hayes, PhD, is Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Hematology-Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine and Assistant Director of the William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology at Texas Children’s Hospital. Her lab focuses on caspase regulation in cancer and inflammation, with pioneering contributions to AML and sickle cell disease research. She is a dedicated mentor and award-winning educator.
Meet The Team
We’re a multidisciplinary team of molecular biologists, immunologists, and cancer researchers exploring caspase activation in real time using advanced techniques like BiFC imaging, spinning disk confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. United by a passion to decode caspase biology and turn discovery into better therapies, we’re advancing therapeutic strategies for AML and sickle cell disease. Our lab culture blends rigorous science with well-being, fostering independence, collaboration, and personalized mentoring in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
Making a Difference
We’d like to thank the following funders, which have enabled us to uncover new therapeutic targets in AML and inflammation in sickle cell disease.
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Contact
Texas Children’s Hospital - Feigin Center
1102 Bates Ave
Houston, TX 77030
Dr. Lisa Bouchier-Hayes
Texas Children’s Hospital
1102 Bates Avenue, Feigin Tower Suite 1030.08
Houston, TX 77030
bouchier@bcm.edu
