Dr. Shao-Chun Wang is an accomplished cancer biologist with a diverse international academic background. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Taipei Medical University School of Pharmacy. After completing a two-year military service commitment, he pursued his graduate studies at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where he earned his PhD in genetics and cell biology in 1995. Following his post-doctoral research at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, Dr. Wang embarked on his independent research career. He was recruited as a tenure-track faculty member at the University of Cincinnati, the Departments of Surgery and Cancer Biology. During this time, he initiated his independent research career in the field of cancer research, making significant contributions that included the development of unique genetic mouse models. These models have provided a strong foundation for investigating the influence of DNA metabolism on tumor microenvironments and cancer metastasis. In 2016, Dr. Wang's expertise and leadership in the field of cancer research were sought after, leading him to join the thriving medical center of the China Medical University & Hospital to help further promote the institution's endeavors in cancer research.
The research conducted in Dr. Wang's laboratory is at the forefront of understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the intricate interactions between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. This work delves into how factors like cancer cell growth, metabolic processes, and inflammation influence the microenvironment, ultimately shaping the progression and metastasis of cancer. The laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach, including biochemical, molecular, and cellular techniques, in addition to utilizing genetic mouse models to address these fundamental questions. The insights gained from this research are being harnessed to develop innovative anti-cancer therapies, such as immune- and cell-based treatments, as well as diagnostic biomarkers for tracking tumor progression and treatment responses.
Our research is bolstered by the utilization of advanced platforms, including extracellular vesicles (such as exosomes), organoids, mouse obesity models, and mouse models of genetic and xenograft tumors. These crucial research endeavors are undertaken by a dedicated team of post-doctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students.
The lab's culture encourages a collaborative and collegial environment that supports independent, creative research and critical thinking. In our scientific community, contributions are valued based on data and knowledge, not on rank, position, or age. We aspire to create an inspiring and welcoming research environment in which all individuals can flourish in their careers. The lab's research has led to the publication of a series of groundbreaking papers and has garnered generous support from organizations such as CMU&H, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), and the National Health Research Institute (NHRI). Our lab members have been recognized with numerous awards, including national honors like the Outstanding Post-doctoral Fellow Award (NSTC), the Excellent Senior Research Assistant Award (NHRI), and the Physician Scientists Cultivation Program Award for medical students (NHRI).
(1) Regulation of the immune microenvironment by DNA metabolism programmed through proliferative stresses in cancer cells: Over years of dedicated work, our team has uncovered a novel mechanism that involves site-specific phosphorylation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) by growth signaling pathways like EGFR and c-ABL, which subsequently reprogram key enzymatic activities in nuclear DNA metabolism which plays an important role to communicate with the tumor microenvironment and recruitment of immune cells for cancer surveillance. Our current findings open new therapeutic avenues for advanced and treatment-resistant cancer.
(2) Molecular mechanisms governing immune cell activation, exhaustion, and the adverse side effects caused by immune therapy: Our laboratory also places a significant emphasis on unraveling the complex molecular mechanisms that govern immune cell activation, exhaustion, and the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAE) induced by immunotherapies. A primary objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of immune responses to tumor invasion, with a particular focus on immune cells such as T and NK cells. This involves an investigation into the factors that determine the sensitivity of cancer cells to anti-tumor immunity and the translation of this knowledge to therapeutic development. Our work has resulted in the identification of numerous genes, including non-coding RNAs, which possess the capacity to modulate immune checkpoint functions and alleviate T cell exhaustion within tumor cells. Furthermore, we have pioneered the development of a unique animal model designed to study irAE that arises from immune checkpoint treatments, particularly in mice carrying specific types of tumor xenografts. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the enhancement of immunotherapy efficacy and the mitigation or reduction of side effects in clinical applications.
(3) Development of novel targeted therapeutics: Our research extends beyond fundamental discoveries to the translation of molecular mechanisms into practical therapeutic and diagnostic applications. We are developing cutting-edge technologies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based NK systems, innovative multi-target recombinant engagers, and the utilization of extracellular vesicles for the systemic targeting of cancer cells. Furthermore, we are actively pursuing the development of recombinant single-chain antibodies that target post-translational modifications of cell surface molecules critical for driving cancer progression.
1996-1997 Breast Cancer Research Project Award; University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
1999-2000 W. M. Keck Center for Cancer Gene Therapy Development Awards for the Human Cancer Gene Prevention and Therapy Program; University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
2000-2002 Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Translational Research Award (BCTR 2000693).
2003-2007 American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant (RSG-03-138-01-CCD 01) (Co-PI).
2007-2008 University of Cincinnati Cancer Center Research Award
2012-2013 University of Cincinnati Provost’s Pilot Research Award
2013 University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Internal Study Section Award for meritorious grant proposal
2013-2016 NIH Early Career Reviewer (ECR) program of Center for Scientific Review (CSR)
2014-2015 Cincinnati Cancer Center Affinity Pilot Research Award
2015-2016 Marlene Harris Ride Cincinnati Breast Cancer Research Award
2016-2018 Scholar of Global Networking Talent Plan, Ministry of Education, Taiwan
2021 Scholar of Global Networking Talent Plan, Ministry of Education, Taiwan
2021 Elsevier global top 2% science-wide author (2020)
2022 Elsevier global top 2% science-wide author (2021)
2022 Elsevier global top 2% science-wide author (career)
2022 19th National Innovation Award (selected among the top 15 out of ~500 competing teams)
07/1984-07/1988 B.Sc. - Pharmacy, Taipei College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
09/1988-07/1990 Military Service - Air Force second lieutenant
09/1990-12/1995 Ph.D. - Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, USA