Chengfeng Yang, PhD

One of milestones achieved in biology research during the past three decades is the view change on RNA biology and function. The demonstration of important functions of microRNAs (miRNAs, a sub-class of small non-coding RNAs) in regulating gene expression in 1993 challenged the central dogma of molecular biology. The recognition of critical roles of RNA m6A methylation in physiology and pathogenesis during the past decade further revolutionized our understanding of RNA biology and function. With the completion of the human genome project, it is now believed that human genome is pervasively transcribed, and a large portion of the genome is transcribed as non-coding RNAs especially as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). However, the current knowledge on lncRNA function in cancer is limited. The research in Yang lab is focused on investigating the role and mechanism of RNA abnormal expression and posttranscriptional modifications in cancer initiation (carcinogenesis), progression (metastasis) and therapeutic resistance. The goal of our research is to identify dysfunctional RNA molecules as cancer diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets to reduce cancer risk and improve human health. Research Interest: RNA dysfunction in carcinogenesis and resistance to cancer therapies