This Division has focused on translational medicine, molecular regulation and biomakers of cancer and normal stem cells, and immunobiology. The ultimate goal is to develope new diagnostics and therapeutics with small molecules, biologics, and cell-based approaches. Many of the projects described below involve integrated efforts of GRC investigators within and across different Divisions. Through such concerted research endeavors, we hope to achieve the long term goal to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of genes associated with cancer and infection, develop targeted therapeutics, and conductEIH (enter into human) enabling studies so asto bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical medicine.

• Translational Medicine
The main focus is on cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development. Key translational research projects include: (1) clinical trial ofGD2-targeted immunotherapy of high risk neuroblastoma, (2) preclinical and clinical development of globo H based vaccine for the treatment of breast cancer, and (3) preclinical development of NKT-stimulatory glycolipids asanti-cancer agents and adjuvant for consensus influenza vaccine and carbohydrate based cancer vaccines, (4) preclinical studies of cancer-targeting peptides for diagnostic imaging and treatment of cancer, and (5) experimental models of human diseases in zebrafish and mice.

• Molecular regulation and biomarkers of cancer and normal stem cells
The major efforts are devoted to (1) investigate the molecular biology of cancer, (2) microRNA signature in neuroblastoma, (3) molecular and genomic epidemiology of virus associated malignancies, (4) identify new biomarkers for embryonic and adult stem cells, cancer, and cancer stem cells, and (5) investigate the control mechanism of cell fate determination via analysis of genetic regulators and epigenetic profiling affecting adult and embryonic stem cells.

• Immunobiology
(1) study the role of a transcriptional repressor, Blimp-1 and galectin in the development of B cells and dendritic cells, (2) role of dendritic cells and hepatic stellate cells ininnate immunity and immune tolerance, and (3) develop a 2nd generation anti-IgE drug, targeting CεmX.

 

Division Director :
Dr. Kuo-I Lin

Members(ordered by English last names)

Professors:
Dr. Chien-Jen Chen
Dr. Michael Hsiao
Dr. Shie-Liang Hsieh
Dr. Chun-Mei Hu
Dr. Wendy Hwang-Verslues
Dr. Joyce Jean Lu
Dr. Chia-Ning Shen
Dr. Hwai-I Yang

Research Specialist:
Dr. Yin-Chu Chien