We study how normal epithelial cells undergo stepwise transitions toward precancerous and malignant states using mice and organoid model. Our research focuses on epithelial plasticity, a process by which cells lose their original identity and acquire new cell states during tissue remodeling and carcinogenesis. By investigating how microenvironmental cues regulate these transitions, we aim to identify key molecular mechanisms that can be applied to early diagnosis, prevention, and precision precancer therapy.

Gut microbes and microbiota-derived metabolites dynamically interact with host cells and influence homeostasis and pathogenesis. These emerging insights suggest that pathological changes are not governed solely by cell-intrinsic genetic or molecular alterations, but are also shaped by external environmental factors such as the microbiota.

Our group investigates how specific microbes or microbial metabolites promote or suppress disease progression at the cellular and molecular levels. We aim to identify microbiota-dependent mechanisms that can be translated into preventive and therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal precancerous lesions.

"Pathology" understand not only how diseases develop, but also the underlying causes that drive disease initiation and progression. Recent advances have revealed that cells previously classified as a single cell type can consist of multiple molecularly distinct subpopulations. 

we seek to determine how specific cellular subtypes contribute to cellular senescence, tissue repair, and cancer development. Through this work, we aim to deepen our understanding of disease mechanisms and contribute to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.