Dr. Xi Chen's lab focuses on understanding how mutant KRAS, a common gene mutation in several cancers, influences tumor growth and response to treatment. They are particularly interested in how cancer cells adapt to therapies and develop resistance, with a specific focus on a molecular process called proteostasis. By targeting these mechanisms, the lab aims to improve the effectiveness of existing treatments for lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients.

Dr. Rugang Zhang's lab is focused on understanding how cancer cells can evade treatment and promote tumor growth through a process called senescence. They specifically study the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which involves the secretion of various factors by senescent cells that can contribute to therapy resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer. The lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this process, particularly through the role of certain proteins, and to develop new therapeutic strategies that target these pathways to improve treatment outcomes for patients.