My research interests are to pursue novel molecules functioning in apoptosis of malignantly transformed cells and to build translational research as a bridge from basic research to clinical research and applications for anticancer therapeutics and prevention. The goal of my basic research is to have a better understanding of the control of human cancers through exploration of novel signaling pathways for regulating cellular transformation, quiescence, and apoptosis. The approach of my translational research is to build preclinical models that reflect the molecular basis of cancer etiology and progression and for studies of tumor biology and etiology. Through molecular classification of oncogene- or carcinogen-induced human cancer cells, the biological, biochemical, genetic, and molecular changes will be utilized as elements to constitute unique, identifiable characteristics of signatures of precancerous and cancerous cells at all stages of cancer development. Based on the biological and molecular signatures of precancerous and cancerous cells, we will be able to determine the stage of cancers and identify molecular targets for choosing agents that prevent cancer by interfering with the biological processes underlying cancer development or selectively induce apoptosis of cancerous cells. Through collaborations we expect to establish research programs with multi-disciplines to link basic molecular and cellular research to clinical studies that will benefit our society for anticancer prevention and treatment.
