Yuan-Hung Lo
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology
We are a dynamic team of passionate and creative researchers dedicated to advancing our understanding of gastrointestinal (GI) tract function and dysfunction. With cutting-edge genetic approaches and physiologically relevant 3D cell culture models, we investigate fundamental and translational biology questions in pathogenesis. Our ultimate goal is to develop innovative therapies that will improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Our lab is currently focused on three key areas that we believe have the potential to revolutionize GI cancer research:
- Modeling Gastric Cancer in Primary 3D Organoids: Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technologies in 3D organoids, we are building novel human gastric cancer models. This approach enables us to study molecular mechanisms, oncogenic signaling pathways, and drug response. The CRISPR/Cas9-engineered tumor organoids recapitulate a broad spectrum of gastric pre-cancer stages and provide a new functional genomics platform. We aim to better understand how tumors develop and evolve from the root cause, leading to potential cancer prevention and therapeutic strategies.
- Adult GI Stem Cell and Cancer Biology: The development of GI cancers is characterized by dynamic changes in cell states, often accompanied by the dysregulation of signal pathways involved in epithelial stem cell function and cell lineage differentiation. We are investigating how these dynamic changes contribute to tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic vulnerabilities of cancer cells. Our objective is to advance the current understanding of cancer biology and develop new therapeutic strategies that specifically target cancer cell states.
- Tumor Microenvironment and Tumor-immune Interactions: We are developing advanced human 3D models that can accurately replicate the stromal components of tumor microenvironment ex vivo, with the goal of filling the unmet need in the field of immuno-oncology. By creating new 3D functional genomics platforms, we aim to better understand how tumors interact with their microenvironment and gain deeper insights into these complex processes.
If you are passionate about GI disease research and want to be part of a team that is making a real impact in the field, then we encourage you to apply! Our team is dedicated to mentoring and supporting students and postdocs. We believe that together, we can make a difference in the lives of patients with GI diseases.
Education & Training
Ph.D. - Baylor College of Medicine - 2017