The overarching goal of my laboratory is to understand the molecular mechanisms of tumor progression and metastasis. We have played a major role in establishing the current models of non-coding RNA regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Moreover, we discovered the deubiquitinases for key cancer proteins; some of these deubiquitinases are promising therapeutic targets.

Currently, our team is: (1) establishing new paradigms for RNA functions and mechanisms (non-coding RNAs, RNA epigenetics, and RNA-binding proteins) in tumor progression and metastasis; (2) screening for deubiquitinating enzymes that promote tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance; (3) investigating novel regulators and regulations of tumor radioresistance and drug resistance; and (4) studying the role of specific developmental regulators in cancer, metabolism, and regeneration by using genetically engineered mouse models generated in our lab.