Singh Lab

Our lab is working to define the mechanisms that regulate the process of metastasis.

We hypothesize that metastasis is a highly selective process that is regulated by interrelated mechanisms whose outcome is dependent upon both the intrinsic properties of tumor cells and the host response.

Using human tumors xenografted in nude mice and murine tumor models, these studies have demonstrated the role of host-derived factors in regulating angiogenesis, resulting in site-specific expression of angiogenic factors, including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), interleukin-8 (IL-8), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and metastasis.

Further characterization of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these processes are currently ongoing in our laboratory.

In addition, we are investigating the mechanisms of organ-specific metastasis. Recent reports suggest specific organ tissues carry unique marker molecules accessible to circulating cells. We have identified the molecules expressed in organ tissues, which might be important to organ-specific metastasis using phage display libraries.

Further characterization of organ-specific signature molecules will be useful in designing novel, highly targeted therapeutic approaches against organ-specific metastasis. In addition, our current research activities have also been focused on designing the strategies for inhibiting tumor-induced angiogenesis and activating anti-tumor immunity with the potential for synergizing the outcome of conventional therapeutic approaches, as well as understanding the role of tumor-stromal interaction in tumor progression and metastasis.