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Research Topics
Skeletal Disorders: Our laboratory's interest lies in exploring the pathogenic mechanisms of human skeletal disorders and the signaling pathways linked to these diseases. Affecting hundreds of millions globally, skeletal disorders are one of the most pressing health challenges. These conditions can manifest at any stage — from prenatal phases to adulthood — often leading to enduring physical disabilities and long-term chronic pain. They encompass a broad spectrum of abnormalities, impacting structures like bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament. Many of these disorders arise from genetic defects that hinder normal skeletal growth and development, whether it's an anomaly in the limbs, spine, or skull. In partnership with orthopedic clinicians, we endeavor to discover novel genetic causes and risk factors in patients. Leveraging cellular, animal, and human models, we strive to decipher their pathogenic origins and develop innovative new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. Our research mainly focuses on scoliosis, including congenital scoliosis and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We also studied other skeletal disorders (e.g., brachydactyly, Robinow syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, and carpal tunnel syndrome).
Wnt/PCP signaling: Wnt signaling is a fundamental mechanism that regulates virtually every aspect of developmental and homeostatic processes under both physiological and pathological conditions. While the ß-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling pathway is well understood, our knowledge of ß-catenin-independent Wnt signaling remains limited, despite its emerging significance in various human diseases. Our laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity (Wnt/PCP) signaling, an evolutionarily conserved and essential mechanism that provides directional information, orchestrating polarized cellular and tissue behaviors. Disruption in Wnt/PCP signaling can result in a variety of developmental defects, such as neural tube defects and skeletal dysplasias. Conversely, its aberrant activation has been linked to various cancer malignancies. We employ a combination of molecular, biochemical, cellular, genetic, and developmental biology approaches to decipher the intricacies of the Wnt/PCP pathway and its roles in normal developmental processes and disease states.
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