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LuZhe Sun, Ph.D.

Professor and Dielmann Chair in Oncology

Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy

Associate Director for Basic Research, Mays Cancer Center

Currently seeking M.S. & Ph.D. students

Sun Lab research

Our laboratory studies molecular mechanisms that regulate cancer development, growth, invasion, and metastasis using molecular and cellular biology techniques, systems biology, animal models, and clinical specimens.  One project involves the investigation on how aging and obesity may affect the function and susceptibility to transformation of mammary stem cells.  We are investigating the molecular mechanisms that cause the formation of the abnormal mammary stem/progenitor cells during aging, which may initiate mammary tumorigenesis, and potential interventions that can prevent the formation of these abnormal stem cells. The second project involves collection of tumor and adjacent non-tumor liver samples from local patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for establishing novel HCC cell models and patient-derived xenografts, and for whole genome RNA and exome sequencing. Our goals are to identify molecular mechanisms that contribute to high incidence of HCC in local Hispanic population and develop novel biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted treatment of HCC. 

Techniques used in Sun Lab

Our approaches to study regulation of gene expression include transcriptional and posttranscriptional analyses with techniques such as next generation sequencing, promoter activity measurements, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, receptor cross-linking, immunoprecipitation and Western blotting analyses, and immunohistochemistry.  To study gene functions, we use gene transfection, RNA interference, and viral transduction techniques to regulate gene expression and study the effects of altered gene expression on malignant phenotypes of cancer cells in tissue culture and in mice. We are also utilizing bioinformatics and computational biology tools to identify potential genes and pathways that may drive tumor initiation and progression.

Specific field of study: Breast and liver cancer

Sub-field of study: Stem cells

Research Area: Cancer Biology

Relevant Diseases: Breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma