CWC lab
Research Field
Introduction:
I am Dr. Ching-Wen Chang, honored to hold the position of Assistant Professor at the esteemed Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University. My specialization lies in intricate molecular research, primarily aimed at unveiling innovative molecular avenues to categorize tumor subtypes and unearth biomarkers crucial for early detection, accurate diagnosis, prognosis discernment, and prediction in liver diseases, including liver cancer and Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Research Focus:
My pursuit in research is driven by a profound aspiration to decode the complex molecular mechanisms underlying liver diseases. By delving deep into the molecular intricacies of liver pathology, I aim to propel advancements in precision medicine, focusing on liver cancer and NASH. This endeavor is pivotal to enriching our understanding and management of liver conditions and contributing meaningful insights to the broader scientific community.
Mentorship Philosophy:
In my role as a mentor and educator, I strive to nurture and enlighten the upcoming generation of scientists by providing guidance in both wet-lab methodologies and computational biology. Leveraging my extensive research experience and knowledge, my goal is to create a conducive and enriching learning atmosphere, fostering curiosity, analytical thinking, and a profound passion for molecular research amongst my students.
Commitment to Excellence:
I derive immense satisfaction and fulfillment from imparting knowledge and wisdom, with the hope of sparking an enduring passion for discovery and research in the promising minds of the future. My unwavering commitment is to uphold and promote academic and research excellence. I hold a steadfast hope to witness my mentees unfold novel perspectives and contribute groundbreaking revelations to our cumulative knowledge of liver diseases and their molecular foundations, ultimately benefiting the global scientific realm.
The laboratory I oversee, situated within the Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, operates at the forefront of innovative research focusing on metabolism, obesity, and liver maladies, encompassing hepatocellular carcinoma and Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our research environment is a nexus of relentless curiosity, pursuit of profound understanding, and a dedication to trailblazing methodologies in molecular studies.
Our ambition is to make substantial contributions to multiple scientific domains, including early detection, meticulous diagnosis, informed prognosis, and the cultivation of precise medical strategies. Our objectives are harmoniously aligned with the mission to decipher and provide new insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying liver diseases.
Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a global health concern, representing 8.3% of all cancers. The incidence of HCC is escalating, with metabolic syndrome-related Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) becoming a rising etiological factor. My research endeavors to unravel the genetic predispositions and molecular foundations of NASH-associated HCC, aiming to develop novel strategies for prevention and treatment.
Research Topics:
1. Genetic Variants and Risk Factors for NASH/HCC:
Exploring the intricate relationship between body fat distribution-related genetic variants and clinical risk factors associated with NASH/HCC, my research will focus on integrating large-scale body-fat distribution studies with NASH-related HCC GWAS data. This study aims to identify specific metabolic syndrome-related variants, such as rs3747579-TT, that can serve as potential biomarkers for risk assessment and therapeutic intervention.
2. Molecular Mechanisms of Genetic-specific Metabolic Syndrome Variants:
Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of how genetic-specific metabolic syndrome variants promote NASH-HCC development is crucial. My research will employ genetically engineered mouse models and innovative techniques like single-cell RNA-seq, to explore the alterations in liver immune function and other molecular features related to genetic-specific metabolic syndrome variants in NASH/HCC.
3. Metabolic Alterations and Immune Mechanisms in NASH/HCC:
Metabolic dysfunction and immune cell infiltration are key factors in the progression of NASH-HCC. By leveraging advanced technologies like MALDI-TOF Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) and spatial proteomics CODEX, my research will delve deep into the metabolic alterations and immune mechanisms during the various stages of NASH-HCC development, shedding light on the correlation between metabolic alterations and immune molecules.
4. Innovative Drug Discovery for NASH/HCC:
Given the lack of FDA-approved treatments for NASH, my research aims to identify promising therapeutic agents through high-throughput screening on patient-derived NASH-HCC cells and explore potential synergies through distinct drug-drug combinatorial screens. This research can lead to the discovery of novel target drugs, tailored to patient-specific genetic variants, offering a breakthrough in the treatment of NASH/HCC.
Research Impact:
The culmination of these studies will offer profound insights into the genetic variants, molecular mechanisms, and metabolic alterations in NASH-associated HCC. The exploration of novel therapeutic strategies and the discovery of potential target drugs will not only fill the existing treatment void but will also pave the way for personalized and effective intervention strategies, ultimately contributing to global cancer prevention efforts.
- Best Poster Award at Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) 2023 ANNUAL MEETING
- Excellent Poster Award at 16th Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA) International Symposium (Awarded by The Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA))
- 2022 Woman Scientist Advisors (WSA) Scholar Award, National Institutes of Health
- 2021 Travel award for Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE) competition, National Institutes of Health
- 2018 Travel award for Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE) competition, National Institutes of Health
- Grants from Ministry of Science and Technology Partnership Program for the Connection to the Top Labs in the World – Dragon Gate Program
- Excellent Poster Award at 16th Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA) International Symposium (Awarded by The Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA))
- 2015 The Joseph K. K. Li Travel Award at 16th Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA) International Symposium (Awarded by The Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA))
- 2015 Excellent Poster Award at National Yang-Ming University 2015 Academic Seminar, Taipei, Taiwan
- 2015 (Oral) Finalist award at National Yang-Ming University Annual Thesis Competition, Taipei, Taiwan
- Travel Award for 2015 American Association Cancer Research Annual meeting (Awarded by Ministry of Science and Technology, R.O.C.)
- Travel Award for 2015 American Association Cancer Research Annual meeting (Awarded by the Chinese society of cell and molecular biology)
- Travel Award for 2015 American Association Cancer Research Annual meeting (Awarded by National Yang-Ming University)
- Excellent Poster Award at 2014 International Symposium and Workshop on Medical Mushroom: Antrodia cinnamomea, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Outstanding Student Paper Award at National Yang-Ming University (Awarded by National Yang-Ming University)
- Travel Award for 2015 American Association Cancer Research Annual meeting (Awarded by Ministry of Science and Technology, R.O.C.)
- Travel Award for 2015 American Association Cancer Research Annual meeting (Awarded by National Yang-Ming University)
- Outstanding Student Paper Award at National Yang-Ming University (Awarded by National Yang-Ming University)
- Excellent Poster Award at the 28th Joint Annual Conference of Biomedical Science, Taipei, Taiwan
- Excellent Poster Award at National Yang-Ming University 2011 Academic Seminar, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Travel Award for 2011 American Association Cancer Research Annual meeting (Awarded by Ministry of Science and Technology, R.O.C.)
- Excellent Poster Award at the 19th Symposium on Recent Advances in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pingtung, Taiwan
Academic Background:
Early Research Experience:
I initiated my academic pursuit at National Yang-Ming University of Oral Biology, probing into the roles of intracellular reactive oxygen species in cancer-initiating cells, mentored by Dr. Jeng Fan Lo. My focus was on unveiling regulatory mechanisms sustaining slow-growing cancer-initiating cells, crucial for evolving future therapies. I explored the associations between lower ROS levels in these cells with chemoresistance and uncovered the significance of GRP78/p-PERK/NRF2 signaling in promoting the Warburg effect (Chang et al., 2014; Chang et al., 2018).
Further, I identified and characterized the biological activity of compounds from Antrodia cinnamomea Mycelia targeting cancer-initiating cells and explored the role of mitochondrial chaperone Hsp40 in suppressing tumorigenicity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (Chang et al., 2013; Chang et al., 2016; Chen et al., 2018).
Advanced Studies:
In 2018, I earned the Dragon Gate Research Fellowship and joined the esteemed laboratory of Dr. Xin Wei Wang at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Dr. Wang’s expertise in computational biology and genomics significantly influenced my proficiency in Big Data science studies in oncology. My tenure at the Center for Cancer Research, NCI, involved intricate studies focusing on the genetic predispositions and molecular structures of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Reflection:
These diverse research experiences have amplified my passion and resolve to pioneer in molecular biology and liver disease research. The amalgamation of extensive research, coupled with the guidance of seasoned mentors, has provided a robust foundation, driving my commitment to enrich the scientific understanding of molecular anomalies in liver diseases.
Ongoing Commitment:
I continue to blend rigorous scientific inquiry with innovative methodologies, seeking to uncover novel insights in molecular biology, and remain devoted to disseminating my findings, fostering a richer, more comprehensive understanding of liver diseases in the scientific community. My journey is a testament to my unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of our knowledge in molecular research and liver disease.
2 Vacancies
Job Description
Responsibilities: Collaborate with Dr. Chang and other research associates on ongoing research projects, contributing to the discovery and characterization of molecular approaches.
Participate in wet-lab studies, computational biology research, and data analysis to understand the molecular mechanisms of liver diseases.
Learning and Development: Gain hands-on experience in advanced molecular research methodologies and technologies.
Attend professional training sessions and workshops facilitated by renowned researchers and specialists in the field.
Knowledge Contribution: Assist in the development of research papers, findings documentation, and contribute insights to discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Present research findings to peers and faculty, promoting knowledge exchange and collaborative learning.
Benefits: Opportunity to work at one of the most prestigious academic and research institutions in Taiwan.
Extensive learning opportunities and exposure to advanced molecular research methodologies.
Chance to collaborate and network with renowned experts in the field.
Possibility to contribute to groundbreaking research in molecular biology and liver disease.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter outlining their interest and qualifications for this position, and any relevant academic transcripts or letters of recommendation to changc11@tmu.edu.tw
Preferred Intern Education Level
We are looking for interns who are currently pursuing or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. Candidates should have foreign nationality and should be studying in one of the six core strategic industries.
Skill sets or Qualities
Background in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
Strong interest in molecular research, specifically in the field of liver diseases and obesity sciences.
Prior research experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.