Hedgehog Pathway in embryonic development and cancer
Deficiency in the process of embryo development will lead to birth defect and severe disease, such as cancer. The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a conserved signaling system essential for embryonic development. I am interested to understand how Hh signaling regulates embryo development by using mouse/zebrafish model, human patient primary culture cell line, 3D organoid culture. Primary culture cell line is ex vivo cell cultures originating from resected tissues during biopsies and surgeries, research with the use of cell lines is an essential procedure for modelling diseases, stem cell and cancer investigation, and the establishment of therapies. 3D organoid culture models are a more accurate representation of the natural environment experienced. Upon ligand stimulation, Hh pathway promotes cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, how the negative regulators modulate signaling during embryo development still remains unknown. Mutations that deregulate Hh signalling have been implicated in basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma and of great translational significance. Using CRISPR screening which is used to find a small number of important genes, or genetic sequences, and proteomics approach, online database, revealing several important hits for Hh regulation. Now, we would like to verify those candidates and figure out how those genes impact on Hh pathway.
How Hh pathway regulation in tumor microenvironment
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is involved in remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME), which in turn facilitates tumor progression by modulating the TME's plasticity, immune suppression, and metastasis. Immune-suppressive cells present in the TME include M2 macrophages (TAMs), Treg cells, tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). These cells suppress anti-tumor immune responses by expressing interleukins or producing tumor-promoting cytokines, thus promoting tumor progression. Consequently, we are interested in exploring how the Hh pathway regulates the TME.
Computational modeling in drug development
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a pivotal factor in tumorprogression regulation, and thus, targeting GLI1, the driver of Hh signaling transduction, is the key to resolution. We are also dedicated to developing small chemical compounds as GLI1 inhibitors, to impede the hyperactive Hh signaling transduction. AI-based and computational modelling can be employed for screening and examining the structure of the protein/compounds and protein/ protein interaction, allowing us to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of diseases and identify potential drug targets.
Metabolism regulation in cancer and brain
Metabolism regulation in cancer is a complex process that involves a range of key elements. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an integral part of this regulation, as it is responsible for controlling metabolism in both cancer and the brain. We and others have shown that AMPK inhibits Hh signaling and suppresses the growth of medulloblastoma. Moreover, AMPK is essential for energy sensing, neuronal function, and neuroprotection in the brain. Our research focuses on understanding the exact mechanisms andimplications of AMPK signaling in different contexts. Of special attention is the altered metabolism observed in cancer cells, otherwise known as the "Warburg effect" or aerobic glycolysis.
Who We Are
Jer-Yen Yang Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Cancer and Developmental Biology
PI
Dr. Yang got his PhD from UT MD Cancer Center, studied EGFR signaling in breast and lung cancer. He then joined Stanford University to study the Hh pathway in medulloblastoma and brain development. As a PI at Purdue University and Roswell Park Cancer Center, his lab focuses on how Hh signaling and metabolism control MB and neuron growth. In Aug 2020, he relocated his lab to CMU, Taiwan, continuing cancer immuno-metabolism and Hh signaling research. Dr. Yang enjoys hiking, photography, Ping Pong, basketball, and meditation.
Wan-Chi Lu (Amy)
Research assistant
I joined Dr. Yang’s lab at 2021. And I received my B.S. at China Medical University, on Development of Biological Science and Technology. I am currently pursuing my master degree on Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, working on hedgehog pathway and cancer neuro-regulation.
Sophie Chen
Master student (Biomedical Science major)
Hello,I’m Sophie Chen. I’m a master’s student of Biomedical sciences. It’s mypleasure to join Professor Yang’s lab, which I’m really interest in the topicof cancer. Hopefully, during these two years, I could learn the theory ofcancer and the techniques to conduct cancer researches. As the saying goes, Knowledge is power, which I can’t agree with it anymore. Thank you for viewing my self-introduction.
Kawsar Ahmed (Visiting Ph.D student)
This is Mr. KAWSAR AHMED from Bangladesh. I’m an overseas doctoral candidate at Central South University, China. My Ph.D. major is in Applied Statistics. My current research area is on statistical learning; particularly causal inference estimation approaches for observed and unobserved data such as to study heterogeneity, treatment effects in RCTs or observational data, causal survival analysis, and longitudinal study. However, I’m delighted to be connected with Professor Yang’s lab at China Medical University, where we can foster an innovative learning environment for research work.
Hannah Yang
Undergraduate Student (Life science major)
I am studying in the Department of Biotechnology at China Medical University. I was interested in experimental content when I was a sophomore, so I joined Yang Lab. Thought the guidance of Professor Yang, I learned more academic content and experimental techniques, and improved my ability. It’s a great honor to be a student of Yang lab.
Claire Lin
Undergraduate Student (Medicine major)
My name is Claire! I major in medical, and I’m a freshman. English is a hobby to me, and I like to read any English literature, including papers and books. Also, I love animals. I keep regular ones such as cats, dogs, birds and fish, but there are also chickens, ducks, geese in my yard. I am interested in conducting experiments and researches, and I’m very happy to join this lab.
News in The Yang Lab
July 2024
- Congratulations to Wan-Chi Lu (Amy) for successfully defending her master’s thesis!
April 2022
- Cathy and Ibrahim award the oral presentation with cash awards!
September 2020
- A New Treatment Direction for Drug-resistant Breast Cancer! CMU Research Team Published Their Findings in Nature Communications.
August 2020
- We will move to a new research building in Taichung in Dec, 2020. Looking for self-driven and highly motivated RAs, graduate students and postdocs who are interested in cancer and developmental biology.
- Our Tet2 paper is accepted by Nat Comm.
Fall 2012
Life in Indiana
