Back Row (Left to Right) Marc Macaluso, John Moore, Mark Badeaux, Dean Tang, Jichao Qin, Mahipal Suraneni and Hangwen Li

Front Row (Left to Right) Collene Jeter, Tammy Davis, Can Liu, Hong Yan, Sofia Honorio and Kazuhiro Iguchi

Our current lab research focuses on cancer stem cells (CSCs), rare stem-like cells in the tumors thought to be responsible for maintaining tumor homeostasis, driving tumor progression, and mediating tumor recurrence and metastasis. The laboratory has the following interconnected research projects.

1. Identification and characterization of prostate cancer stem/progenitor cells

2. Mechanisms of CSC self-renewal 

3. Mechanisms of cancer stem/progenitor cell division 

4. miRNA regulation of prostate CSCs and tumor development

5. Prostate CSC involvement in metastasis

6. CSC resistance to therapeutics

7. Normal human prostate (NHP) stem/progenitor cells and their involvement in tumorigenesis

The ultimate goal of our research is to uncover the unique properties of CSCs and design specific therapeutic strategies to eradicate tumors.