Project Details
Uterine endometrial cancer incidence (~65,950 new cases/year) and deaths (~12,550 deaths/year) are on the rise. To help endometrial cancer patients and cure endometrial cancer, we need understand the characteristics of this disease. The current focus of our work is to understand molecular mechanisms of endometrial tumor progression and utilize target therapy or molecular enhanced hormonal therapy to treat endometrial cancer and other hormone-driven cancers. Specific research initiatives include:
1) systematic dissection of the mechanisms of progesterone receptor (PR) downregulation in endometrial cancer and enhancement of progestin therapy with epigenetic modulators in endometrial cancer.
2) identification of novel small molecular drugs to increase PR expression and activity to sensitize progesterone therapy.
3) target endometrial cancer with dual PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HDAC inhibitor, CUDC-907.
4) relationship between the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and oncogene Myc in endometrial tumors.
5) investigate oncogenic function of SETDB1 in endometrial cancer.
6) determining anti-tumor immune response in MPA +HDACi treatment.
6) relationship between inflammation, obesity and endometrial cancer risk.
Dr. Yang’s laboratory is located in the building of Medical Education Research Facility (MERF).

Qualifications
A strong interest in cancer research is required. Applicants should be independent and scrupulous, with strong organizational skills and good habit to write record. Preference will be given to applicants who plan to pursue advanced training in a related area.

Time Commitment
Students must be available for 10 plus hours per week in blocks of time that 4 hours or greater two days a week.

Start Date
Immediate, Near future, Fall semester, Spring semester

Project Duration 
Ongoing or potential to be a continuous position