Park Laboratory
The overarching goal of our research program is to understand the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and tissue regeneration by employing genetically engineered mice and organoids.
Our recent investigations have aimed to address two intriguing questions:
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Is cell plasticity a therapeutic vulnerability of cancer?
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Can manipulating cell plasticity promote tissue regeneration or prevent tissue damage?
WNT Signaling
WNT signaling is crucial for development, tissue homeostasis, and tissue regeneration. However, the deregulation of WNT signaling leads to human diseases, including cancer. We study how WNT signaling contributes to various pathophysiological processes.
Cell Plasticity and Cancer
Tumor cell plasticity contributes to tumor progression, therapy resistance, relapse, and metastasis. We study the mechanisms of cell plasticity and apply such knowledge to lay a foundation for developing cancer therapies. Images: Dynamo-based inference of cell lineage trajectories showing the impact of gene knock-out on cell plasticity (by Shengzhe Zhang)
Genetically Engineered Organoids and Disease Modeling
3D cultured organoids mimic the pathophysiology of human diseases. We genetically manipulate organoids to model human diseases and dissect the mechanisms of disease development. Images: Genetically engineered gastric organoids (by Gengyi Zou)
Tissue Regeneration
Fine control of cell dynamics orchestrates tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Using organoids and animal models, we study how cell plasticity contributes to tissue regeneration. Image: Single-cell RNA-sequencing-based cell lineage trajectory analysis of regenerating lung tissues (by Bongjun Kim)
Endoderm-Derived Cancers
We study the tumorigenic mechanisms of endoderm-derived cancers (intestine, stomach, esophagus, and lung). Esophageal squamous cell cancer is detected at a later stage, limiting treatment options. Using genetically engineered esophageal organoids and single-cell transcriptomics of patient samples, we classify patients into specific treatment responders vs. non-responders. Image: Single-cell RNA-seq-based analysis of 69 ESCC patient samples and genetically engineered esophageal organoids; integration (right) and unsupervised stratification of patients (left) (by Kyung-Pil Ko)