Research Areas
Project I. Ovarian Cancer Initiation, Progression, and Metastasis
High-grade serous ovarian cancer
We study high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the most malignant form of ovarian cancer, and accounts for up to 70% of all ovarian cancer cases. To understand the initiation, progression, and metastasis of ovarian cancer, we apply novel genetically engineered mouse ovarian cancer models, 3D cell culture, fallopian tube organoids, and cancer omics such as cancer genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.
Project II. Cancer Cell Plasticity and Tumor Heterogeneity via DUB system
Project III. Novel Regulatory Mechanisms on Non-coding RNAs in Oncoimmunology
DEAD-Box RNA Helicases in Non-coding RNAs and Oncoimmunology
An RNA-binding protein, DEAD-Box RNA Helicase 3X (DDX3X) regulates various types of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, small RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs. DDX3X regulates cellular endogenous dsRNA homeostasis, and inhibiting DDX3X triggers dsRNA-sensing innate immune signaling in breast cancer and enhances anti-tumor activity. Aligned with in-depth molecular mechanistic studies, immune-competent syngeneic mouse models, our unique DDX3X conditional knockout mouse model, we study the molecular mechanism by which DDX3X controls oncogenic or immunogenic cellular non-coding RNAs, and explore the therapeutic implications of targeting DDX3X in cancer.