Yi-Nan Gong, PhD

• Plasma membrane dynamics and signaling
Since the appearance of the first cells on Earth 4 billion years ago, the cell membrane serves the essential role of segregating the external environment and creating an internal environment, where genetic materials can reside, and biochemical reactions can take place. Meanwhile the cell membrane also faces a variety of external conditions that cause stress, including the compromise of the membrane integrity. 

Given that the cell membranes are the first defenders against external (sometimes even internal) stress, in theory, perturbations that may disrupt the any type of cell membrane function should activate a multifactorial defend mechanism. We are studying how plasma membrane damage/repair and lipid mobilization affect both innate and adaptive immune system. We also explore how these signaling evolves during system development. 

• Tumor cell death re-programmer
To achieve a robust anti-tumor response, we will find novel ways to “kill” those tumors in an immune system favorable way. To reprogram the cell death, we will use multiple CRIPSR technologies, including genome-wide CRISPR screening and CROP-seq (CRISPR then scRNAseq). Our ultimate goal is to treat cancer by modulating cell death program. 

• Tumor cell death probing
Collaborating with physicians, our lab have collect probes to detect several major types of cell death in responding to all kinds of treatments, including those are still on the clinic trails. We can also set up real-time recording system for various tumor cell death. We provide insights into analyzing or predicting the therapeutic outcomes from a “cell death” angle.