Wang Lab

The laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular basis of cell signaling, and how aberrant cell signaling leads to birth defects and causes cancers. Using in vitro cell culture systems and in vivo mouse models, we study how the resident fibroblast growth factor (FGF) activates its receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase, and how the activated FGFR transmits the signals to downstream targets and regulates proliferation, differentiation, homeostasis, and function of the cells, as well as in organogenesis and development, including prostate and cardiovascular system development. The laboratory also employs molecular biology, cell biology, and mouse genetic technologies to study how ectopic FGF signals promote tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Current projects include how ectopic FGF signaling reprograms cell metabolism, remodels the tumor microenvironment, and contributes to immune evasion, as well as how suppression of ectopic FGF signaling in prostate cancer improve the efficacy of anticheckpoint immunotherapy. In addition, how environmental factors contribute to tumorigenesis and congenital birth defects by modulating FGF signal intensity and specificity is also under the scope of our research interests.