Byron Lee
Associate Professor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Urology
Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States and presents a significant
health burden. Our lab focuses on understanding the biologic effects of chromatin modifier gene
mutations in bladder cancer initiation, progression, and response to therapy. These mutations,
which can be found in up to 80% of bladder cancers, have a profound impact on the epigenome,
transcription factor circuit usage, differentiation state, cellular plasticity, and tumor
microenvironment. For this work, our lab employs a diverse array of preclinical model systems
including isogenic cancer cell lines, genetically engineered mouse models, heterotopic and
orthotopic xenografts, and patient derived organoids. The primary goal of this line of research is
to glean mechanistic insights that will contribute to the development of novel biomarkers and
therapeutic strategies to fight bladder cancer.
In addition to our interest in bladder cancer, we are actively exploring the pathogenetic
mechanisms of benign lower urinary tract diseases. One of our initiatives involves constructing
high resolution transcriptomic and gene regulatory maps of human urinary tract tissue, which
will provide a comprehensive understanding of its cellular composition and heterogeneity,
lineage relationships, and signaling pathways that maintain homeostasis. By creating these
molecular atlases, we hope to pave the way for tissue regeneration efforts for urinary tract
organs that have been damaged beyond the reach of medical and surgical treatment.
Education & Training
MD, Johns Hopkins University, 2007
PhD, Johns Hopkins University, 2007