Contact
Research/Lab Website
Roles
Research Assistant Professor
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Biography
I am currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Miami, with a long-term research goal focused on understanding the tumorigenesis of human esophageal and gastric cancers. My aim is to develop translational approaches that enhance diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options for these life-threatening diseases. The proposed research, a groundbreaking discovery that lays the foundation for my long-term goal, seeks to explore the novel oncogenic functions of ectopically expressed WEE1 in human gastric adenocarcinoma. With over 40 publications to my name, many of which have appeared in high-impact journals such as Gastroenterology, Gut, Nature Communications, Clinical Cancer Research, and Oncogene, my research primarily concentrates on angiogenesis, drug resistance, tumor-related signaling, and microRNA dysregulation in human esophageal and gastric cancers. My investigation of WEE1 in human gastric cancer tumorigenesis aims to illuminate new mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies while expanding my research skills and expertise. -
Education & Training
Education
Post Graduate Training
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Honors & Awards
No result found
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Research Interests
As a dedicated researcher, my primary interest lies in understanding the molecular and environmental factors that influence the development, progression, and therapeutic resistance of upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including gastric and esophageal cancers. I am particularly intrigued by the role of lifestyle factors, such as smoking, in these diseases and how they affect patient outcomes.
My current research is centered around the WEE1-JAK2-STAT3 signaling axis. This pathway appears to form a crucial connection between smoking and the immune-suppressive microenvironment characteristic of upper GI cancers. I aim to unravel how smoking influences this pathway, how it promotes an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and how these interactions influence the cancer cells' ability to evade the immune system and resist therapies.
I utilize both in vitro and in vivo models, including a WEE1 conditional knockout model, to probe the role of WEE1, a protein induced by smoking, in the propagation of this immunosuppressive environment. The ultimate goal of my research is to understand these complex interactions and to identify potential novel therapeutic targets within these signaling pathways.
Beyond the immediate focus on gastric and esophageal cancers, I am also interested in understanding how lifestyle factors interact with the immune system across other types of cancer. By laying the groundwork for more effective therapeutic strategies in oncology, I aim to make a significant contribution to improving cancer treatment through a detailed understanding of how lifestyle factors influence cancer progression and the effectiveness of existing therapies. -
Publications
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