LuZhe Sun, Ph.D.
Professor and Dielmann Chair in Oncology
Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy
Associate Director for Basic Research, Mays Cancer Center
Currently seeking M.S. & Ph.D. students
Sun Lab research
Our laboratory studies molecular mechanisms that regulate cancer development, growth, invasion, and metastasis using molecular and cellular biology techniques, systems biology, animal models, and clinical specimens. One project involves the investigation on how aging and obesity may affect the function and susceptibility to transformation of mammary stem cells. We are investigating the molecular mechanisms that cause the formation of the abnormal mammary stem/progenitor cells during aging, which may initiate mammary tumorigenesis, and potential interventions that can prevent the formation of these abnormal stem cells. The second project involves collection of tumor and adjacent non-tumor liver samples from local patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for establishing novel HCC cell models and patient-derived xenografts, and for whole genome RNA and exome sequencing. Our goals are to identify molecular mechanisms that contribute to high incidence of HCC in local Hispanic population and develop novel biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted treatment of HCC.
Techniques used in Sun Lab
Our approaches to study regulation of gene expression include transcriptional and posttranscriptional analyses with techniques such as next generation sequencing, promoter activity measurements, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, receptor cross-linking, immunoprecipitation and Western blotting analyses, and immunohistochemistry. To study gene functions, we use gene transfection, RNA interference, and viral transduction techniques to regulate gene expression and study the effects of altered gene expression on malignant phenotypes of cancer cells in tissue culture and in mice. We are also utilizing bioinformatics and computational biology tools to identify potential genes and pathways that may drive tumor initiation and progression.
Specific field of study: Breast and liver cancer
Sub-field of study: Stem cells
Research Area: Cancer Biology
Relevant Diseases: Breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma
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Professional Background
Education
- 1990 - PhD - Physiology - Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey and UMDNJ
- 1985 - MS - Physiology - Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey
- 1982 - BS - Agricultural Science - Shanghai Fisheries College
- Postdoctoral Fellowship - Molecular Biology Postdoctoral Fellow - Baylor College of Medicine
Appointments
- 6/2017 - Associate Director - For Basic Research, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, San Antonio
- 5/2015 - Clayton Investigator - Clayton Foundation for Research, One Riverway, Suite 1500, Houston, TX 77056
- 2/2013 - Program Director/PI - Institutional Cancer Biology Training Program supported by the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) T32 grant
- 4/2010 - Faculty Member - Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity & Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science CenterSan Antonio
- 9/2009 - Dielmann Chair in Oncology - University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
- 9/2009-5/2017 - Associate Director for Translational Research, - Cancer Therapy & Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, San Antonio
- 9/2004 - Professor - University of Texas Health Science Center, Cell & Structural Biology (Cell Systems & Anatomy starting Oct. 2016), San Antonio
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- Instruction & Training
- Research & Grants
- Publications