The Chuang Lab

We have a long-standing interest in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cell-cell interactions that underlie mammalian development and postnatal physiology and pathology (including cancer). In particular, we have focused on pulmonary development, repair/regeneration and tumorigenesis in mice. These studies aim to establish the foundation for treating human diseases such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and lung cancer. To this end, we intensively study mammalian Hedgehog (Hh), Hippo, and planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling, and other major signaling pathways. These endeavors rely on the ability to produce genetically modified mice and to utilize modern genomic, cell biological and biochemical tools to uncover the molecular basis of the phenotypes. This knowledge will be applied to studies of human diseases, taking advantage of genomic data and human tissues. Our research program holds the promise of translating discovery from bench to bedside.