During my postdoc training, I focused on the functions of noncoding RNAs in cancer development. Our work “miR-103/107 promote  metastasis of colorectal cancer by targeting the metastasis suppressors DAPK and KLF4.” has been published in 2012 and got 333 citations (Chen et al., Cancer Res. 72:3631-41, 2012.). In 2014, I joined TMU and extended my research to long non-coding RNAs. We used bioinformatic tools to identified some lncRNAs that could contribute to tumor progression and delineate their molecular mechanism by multiple molecular, cellular and in vivo approaches. In 2022, we identified “a novel lncRNA Smyca which coactivates TGF-β/Smad and Myc pathways to drive tumor progression” (Chen et al., J Hematol Oncol. 15:85, 2022.). In this work, we collaborated with Dr. Becky Chen in National Tsing Hua University to develop the “nanoparticle-assisted gapmer antisense oligonucleotides delivery”  to target Smyca in vivo. Our result suggests targeting Smyca prevents metastasis and overcomes chemoresistance, therefore provide the preclinical evidence for therapeutic insight of Smyca.

Currently, my lab focuses on three aspects. First, we extend our work on Smyca to dig other therapeutic application. Second, we investigate the roles of interested lncRNAs in tumor progression and their impact on tumor microenvironment. Third, we collaborate with drug delivery team to refine the strategy for lncRNA targeting.

 Academic Experience

• 2021/02 – Present  Associate professor; Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University
• 2018/12 – 2021/01  Assistant professor; Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University
• 2015/08 – 2018/11  Assistant professor; Ph.D. Program of Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University
• 2013/08 –2015/07   Project-appointed assistant professor; Ph.D. Program of Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University
• 2007/08 – 2013/07  Postdoctoral Fellow (with Dr. Ruey-Hwa Chen); Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. 

We aim to investigate tumor related noncoding RNAs and reveals their role in tumor progression to provide the clinical evidence supporting the novel strategy for cancer treatment and prognosis.

High-throughput RNA sequencing studies have revealed pervasive transcription of the human genome generates large amount of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), the functional RNA molecules that are not translated into proteins. Subsequent studies found that ncRNAs play crucial roles in many cellular pathways and processes, including differentiation, tumorigenesis and progression. Although a fast-growing list of ncRNAs has been identified to associate with tumorigenesis and progression, their underlying mechanisms in tumor progression remain largely elusive. 

Through a bioinformatic analysis, we have identified some long ncRNAs (lncRNAs, >200 nts) are associated with tumor progression. We further discovered these lncRNAs regulate key tumor malignant features, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cytoskeleton reorganization and metabolic reprograming. Through  decipher the molecular interplay governs by these lncRNAs, we will provide the clinical evidence to support the novel strategy for cancer treatment and prognosis.