The signals of the TGF-beta/BMP family play crucial roles in controlling many aspects of stem cell functions, such as stemness, proliferation, differentiation and survival. In this project, we currently focus on the fields of mesenchymal stem cells and bone homeostasis. We aim to clarify the temporal and spatial expression profiles of these signaling molecules, their physiological functions as well as the working mechanisms in the bone niches. These would allow us to develop approaches to increase bone healing efficiency, treat osteoporosis and other diseases related to skeletons. See our published video: Profiling the TGF-β superfamily signaling in bone and osteoporosis - YouTube 

we are interested in exploring the potential function and physiological regulation of the novel secreted proteins/polypeptides  found in the ovary. We also are interested in establishing ovarian cancer model in mice and analyze the mechanisms capable of  promoting diverse cancer hallmarks, including proliferation, angiogenesis and autophagy. We try to develop therapeutic strategies and also therapeutic proteins through collaboration with our team groups.

We here have two different aims and approaches: First, using functional genomic approaches, we have identified several novel hormone/cytokine genes based on evolutionary conservation. We will generate them and hunt for their signaling, receptors as well as physiological functions. Second, protein-based drugs exhibit signal specificity and thus have many advantages which are hardly mimicked by simple chemical compounds. However, they usually have extremely short half-life and difficulty in mass production. We have picked several valuable candidates and try to re-engineer them to improve their therapeutic uses, such as wound healing.