Overview
Our lab studies cancer precision medicine using bioinformatics and experimental tools, with a special focus on CRISPR screening and RNA genomics. Our integrative strategy has led to the discovery of novel ncRNAs that serve as master regulators of cancer drug resistance by regulating EMT (Cancer Cell, 2013) and PARP1 (JNCI, 2015; JAMA, 2011; Theranostics, 2020a). We have successfully built and identified key ncRNA regulatory network for cancer metastasis and drug resistance (Clin Cancer Res, 2014; PNAS, 2015; Theranostics, 2020b). Through integrating the tumor epigenomics data, lncRNA expression, and immunogenomics data, we have mechanistically demonstrated that lncRNA EPIC1 regulates breast cancer tumorigenesis and immune response (Cancer Cell, 2018; Nat Commun., 2018; and Sci Adv., 2021). Recently, we have performed the first genome-wide gain-of-function CRISPR-SAM screening of lncRNAs that can regulate immunotherapy resistance in cancer (Sci Adv., 2022). I have four interdependent research directions supported by different extramural funds:
Combine CRISPR screening and immunogenomics analysis to delineate tumor microenvironment heterogeneity and to characterize master regulator of tumor immune evasion –Supported by NIH/NCI 1R01CA272866 (Yang, D)
Future direction
With above experience in my past research, the future research of my lab will focus on harnessing high-throughput technologies, such as single-cell sequencing, eCLIP-seq, ChIP-seq, CRISPR screening and machine learning algorithms to develop novel strategies for cancer personalized medicine.
Complete Listing of Publications