Xiaokang Lun, PhD

Our lab uses mass cytometry to profile the states and dynamics of up to 40 intracellular phosphorylation sites on key signaling proteins in single cells. This comprehensive measurement enables us to precisely determine the signaling and physiological states of each individual cell, including growth, proliferation, and responses to stress and inflammation, and to understand how these signaling activities integrate to determine cell fate.

We also develop technologies based on DNA engineering to enhance the sensitivity and coverage of protein post-translational modification assessment and protein-protein interaction analysis. Combined with advanced single-cell and omics approaches, our methods allow for in-depth exploration of intracellular signaling networks and physical interaction networks in health and diseases.

Using these methods, we aim to comprehensively interrogate the heterogeneous intracellular signaling networks involved in cancer progression. We seek to identify intracellular signaling responses underlying diverse susceptibility to cancer treatments and specific kinase inhibitors in clinical settings, ultimately aiming to enhance outcomes for cancer patients through the discovery of new druggable targets.