Project 136: Molecular Biology of Leukemia and Targeted Cancer Therapies

Contact Information:

Prof. Ruibao Ren     

Email: rbren@sjtu.edu.cn

Project Description and Objectives:

The laboratory is working to delineate the molecular mechanism in the pathogenesis of leukemia, create precision diagnostics of leukemia, as well as the develop novel targeted cancer therapies. The major research areas include: (1) Intergrading the whole genome deep sequencing hotspot panel sequencing, and with this aim to reveal the composition and evolution pattern of leukemia clones, to identify the molecular targets that drive drug resistance and disease relapse, and eventually to establish a novel molecular diagnostic system based on the leukemia clonal evolution patterns; (2) Identification of therapeutic targets and development of targeted therapies for RAS-related cancers. Hyperactivation of RAS is common in human cancers, including in hematological malignancies. However, RAS protein itself has been difficult to “target”, making the cancers harboring RAS mutations the most difficult to treat. By using molecular biology and chemical biology approaches, we aim to identify therapeutic targets and develop novel targeted therapies for RAS related cancer; (3) Mechanisms of anti-tumor activity of innate immune system and novel drug discovery and development. We study the roles of Interferon Response Factors IRF4/8 in leukemogenesis and try to develop novel anti-tumor immunotherapies.

Eligibility Requirements:

Basic knowledge of genetics and molecular biology.

Main Tasks:

Bioinformatic analysis, identification and characterization of anti-cancer compounds.

Website:

Lab: N/A

School: http://www.sih.org.cn