Project 1: SETDB1, Epigenetic Regulation, and Tumor Immune Escape

Cancer development is driven not only by genetic mutations but also by epigenetic mechanisms that determine which genes are turned on or off. Among these regulators, SETDB1, a histone lysine 9 methyltransferase, has emerged as a key oncogenic factor that promotes tumor progression and enables cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. Our laboratory investigates how SETDB1 controls transcriptional programs, chromosome stability, and tumor-immune interactions in endometrial cancer.

Recent work from our group revealed that SETDB1 contributes to both tumor progression and immune escape. Building on these discoveries, ongoing studies seek to define how SETDB1 regulates gene expression, chromosome stability, and anti-tumor immunity, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic opportunities for patients with SETDB1-driven cancers.

Key topics: SETDB1 biology, H3K9 methylation, transcriptional regulation, chromosome segregation, tumor immunology, macrophage-mediated immunity

Project 2: Restoring Hormone Responsiveness in Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is one of the few solid tumors that can often be treated with hormone-based therapy, offering an effective and less toxic alternative to conventional chemotherapy. However, many advanced and recurrent tumors lose progesterone receptor (PR) expression and become resistant to treatment, leaving patients with limited therapeutic options. Understanding how hormone responsiveness is lost remains a major challenge in the field.

Our laboratory investigates the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate progesterone receptor expression and function. By developing strategies to restore hormone responsiveness through targeted epigenetic and pharmacologic approaches, we seek to expand treatment options for patients whose tumors no longer respond to hormonal therapy. Our work also aims to identify predictive biomarkers that can guide personalized treatment decisions and improve clinical outcomes.

Key topics: Progesterone receptor regulation, hormone therapy resistance, epigenetic therapy, HDAC inhibitors, predictive biomarkers

Project 3: Precision Oncology Using Patient-Derived Models

Patients with endometrial cancer can respond very differently to the same treatment, highlighting the need for personalized therapeutic strategies. Traditional cancer cell lines often fail to capture the biological diversity and complexity of human tumors, creating barriers to the development of effective therapies.

To address this challenge, our laboratory has established an extensive collection of patient-derived endometrial cancer models, including patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and patient-derived cancer cells (PDCs). These models preserve the molecular and pathological characteristics of the original tumors and serve as powerful tools for translational research. By combining genomic profiling with functional drug testing, we aim to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities, predict treatment response, and accelerate the development of precision medicine approaches for women with endometrial cancer.

Key topics: Patient-derived xenografts (PDX), patient-derived cancer cells (PDC), drug screening, precision medicine, translational therapeutics