Richard Bhatt

Richard Bhatt studies the molecular mechanisms of perineural invasion, demonstrating that nerve-derived neurotrophic factors including GDNF, NGF, and artemin create chemotactic gradients that actively attract cancer cells toward peripheral nerves through activation of RET, TrkA, and other tyrosine kinase receptors. His laboratory has shown that blocking GDNF/RET signaling reduces perineural invasion in pancreatic cancer models. He has identified nerve-derived chemokines that promote cancer cell migration along nerve fibers. His work reveals perineural invasion as an active, targetable process rather than passive spread.