Research
Our lab seeks to identify new target molecules and mechanisms for liver conditions and cancers. Through these studies, we expect to identify more-effective ways to treat these conditions and to identify new tests to aid earlier diagnosis. We hope our efforts ultimately result in improved survival through better treatments.
RNA therapeutics
A primary focus of our lab is to create novel RNA therapeutics using nanovesicle-based delivery platforms to treat liver cancer and bile duct cancer.
Biological nanoparticles
An area of current interest is the use of biological nanoparticles such as milk-derived nanovesicles as a delivery platform for RNA therapeutics. RNA nanotechnologies are used for tumor cell-specific targeting, while RNA constructs are used for therapeutic effects.
This approach exploits the biological and scalable production advantages of biological particles versus synthetic nanovesicles. Our current focus is on the use of RNA therapeutics that restore tumor-suppressor genes, silence disease-causing genes or modulate immune responses to treat liver cancers.
Engineered cell-derived nanovesicles
Cell-derived nanovesicles (CDNVs) incorporating RNA are being evaluated for immunomodulatory effects through surface engineering and cargo modification. Our lab has showcased the potential of generating engineered immunomodulatory CDNVs by enhancing the surface expression of PD1 that can bind to PD-L1 expressed on tumor cells, augment natural killer (NK) and T cell degranulation, and promote immune-mediated tumor cell death.
Pathogenesis and early diagnosis of liver and biliary cancers
We're studying the fundamental mechanisms that modulate how genes involved in tumor behavior are expressed. In particular, our lab is investigating the role of RNA in these processes.
Our laboratory, which previously identified and cloned novel long noncoding RNA genes involved in liver cancers, was the first to identify a role for RNAs in regulating cholangiocarcinoma growth and response to chemotherapy.
We have investigated the role of extracellular vesicles and extracellular RNA in liver function, cancer growth and response to treatment. We're now evaluating how these discoveries might be used to improve liver cancer treatment.
Studies on the role of chronic inflammation in cancer and noncoding RNA in liver tumor pathogenesis have further elucidated the role of RNA for diagnosis and therapy. Studies of RNA-based signaling within the liver tumor microenvironment led to the design of targeted multifaceted RNA therapeutic approaches to modulate tumor cell immune evasion, reduce angiogenesis and alter the tumor cell phenotype in liver tumors.
Related publications
Review publications related to our research.