Welcome to the Yang Laboratory

The Yang Laboratory is dedicated to understanding the epigenetic mechanisms that drive endometrial cancer progression, therapeutic resistance, and tumor-immune interactions.

Our goal is to translate discoveries in cancer biology into improved therapies and precision medicine approaches for women with gynecologic cancers.

Using patient-derived models, genomic technologies, and translational research, we investigate how chromatin regulators control gene expression, influence treatment response, and shape communication between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment.

Our research spans basic molecular mechanisms to clinically relevant therapeutic strategies, with a particular focus on endometrial cancer.

Research
Lab members group photo, outdoors with a blue sky
Dr. Yang

Shujie Yang, PhD

Assistant Professor of Pathology
shujie-yang@uiowa.edu
319-335-0473
Academic Profile

Education/Training Program Affiliations

Center, Program and Institute Affiliations

Laboratory Contact Information

Phone: 319-335-7579
Address: 5234 Medical Education Research Facility (MERF)

Selected Publications

View a list of our selected publications here.

Recent News

Featured Publication: SETDB1's Dual Role: Driving Tumor Progression and Immune Escape

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Oncogene (2026)
Our recent study demonstrates that SETDB1 promotes endometrial cancer progression through both cancer cell-intrinsic and immune-mediated mechanisms. Loss of SETDB1 suppresses tumor growth, alters transcriptional programs, and enhances anti-tumor immune responses, revealing new therapeutic vulnerabilities in aggressive endometrial cancers.

Featured Publication: Integrated Patient-Derived Xenograft and Patient-Derived Cell Models Reveal Therapeutic Vulnerabilities Beyond Standard-of-Care Therapy in Endometrial Cancer

Monday, July 27, 2026
bioRxiv (2026)
We established an integrated platform of 53 patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and matched patient-derived cancer cell models from 103 endometrial cancer specimens. Using high-throughput screening of 179 FDA-approved oncology drugs, we identified multiple therapeutic vulnerabilities that were not predicted by current standard-of-care approaches, providing a valuable resource for precision oncology and translational drug discovery.

Photos Throughout The Years

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