Gang Huang, Ph.D.

The Huang Lab is a dynamic research hub focused on both basic and translational cancer research. This interdisciplinary lab spans multiple research areas, from hematologic malignancies to solid tumors, with a strong emphasis on metabolism and immunology.

Hematology, Hematopoiesis, and Blood

The hematology and leukemia arm of the Huang Lab explores the intricate crosstalk between genetic and epigenetic regulators and signaling pathways that govern hematopoietic stem cell functions, including self-renewal, differentiation, apoptosis, inflammation, and immune responses. A landmark discovery by Dr. Huang, published in Cancer Discovery in 2018, identified the downregulation of mitochondrial complex II (succinate dehydrogenase, SDH) subunits and assembly factors, along with other Krebs/TCA cycle enzymes, in a subset of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients. This work, coupled with the development of genetically distinct mouse models of MDS, has paved the way for clinical research targeting SDH genes, leading to the development of novel therapies for MDS patients worldwide.

MDS, particularly prevalent in the aging population or as a secondary condition following cancer therapy (therapy-related MDS, tMDS), has limited treatment options, with allogeneic stem cell transplantation being the only curative approach. However, resistance to hypomethylating agents (HMAs) remains a significant challenge. To address this, Dr. Huang is spearheading a new research program focused on the role of low SDH in MDS pathogenesis, mitochondrial metabolism, and the regulation of α-KG–dependent dioxygenases (2OGDDs). His work also extends to a broader scope of myeloid malignancies, including MDS, myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), and acute leukemia, with findings that impact research on various tumors, such as lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma, and glioma, where dysregulated mitochondrial metabolism plays a critical role.

Solid Tumors, CAR T-cell Therapy, and Tumor Metabolism

The solid tumor and oncology arm of Dr. Huang’s lab represents a bold and relatively new direction in his extensive research portfolio. This branch of the lab's work is centered on pioneering approaches to treat solid tumors that have traditionally been resistant to conventional therapies. A hallmark of this effort is the lab’s development of a patented, first-in-class cell-based therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other solid tumors. This groundbreaking therapy utilizes the CAR T-cell platform in a novel way, repurposing it as a highly specialized delivery vehicle to transport therapeutic agents directly into the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). By targeting the TIME—a complex and often hostile metabolic environment that shields tumors from immune attack and supports their growth—Dr. Huang’s lab is addressing one of the most significant hurdles in effective cancer treatment, pushing forward the field of precision immuno-oncology.

Beyond the CAR T-cell project, Dr. Huang’s lab is deeply invested in exploring the intricate mechanisms of cancer-associated cachexia (CAC), a debilitating condition that affects a large proportion of cancer patients. CAC is characterized by severe muscle and weight loss, leading to a significant decline in quality of life and increased mortality. CAC causes therapy failure and is directly responsible for the mortality of around 30% of all cancer patients. Dr. Huang’s research is shedding light on the metabolic perturbations that drive this syndrome, with the goal of identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could prevent or mitigate its devastating effects. His work in this area is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise in cancer biology, metabolism, and immunology to uncover the complex interactions that contribute to CAC. 

Dr. Huang’s approach to research is both innovative and collaborative. He has built a laboratory that is not only at the forefront of scientific discovery but also committed to translating these discoveries into real-world applications. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Huang collaborates extensively with industry partners and has founded Powerhouse Therapeutics Inc, a biotechnology firm, to bring his lab's inventions to the market, bridging the gap between research and patient care. His work has led to numerous high-impact publications and patents, reflecting his lab's commitment to advancing the field of oncology. Through a combination of basic research, translational studies, and clinical collaborations, Dr. Huang’s lab is making significant strides in the fight against cancer. Dr. Huang has published over 100 papers, many in high-impact journals, including EMBO J., Blood, Mol. Cell Biol., Nature Genetics, Nature, Nature Communications, Mol. Cell, Cancer Discovery, Journal of Clinical Investigation, Haematologica, and Leukemia.