Laboratory of Damage Responses and Repair in Cancer Treatment and Cardiac Repair

Introduction to YJC Lab’s Research

At YJC Lab, we focus on understanding the complex biological processes involved in damage response and repair, with a particular emphasis on cancer combination therapies and cardiac repair and remodeling.

Our current research topics include:

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• Regulation of Cancer Progression and Synergistic Combination Therapies

We explore how different treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), can be combined to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Combination therapy involves using two or more treatment approaches, either simultaneously or sequentially, to increase anti-cancer effectiveness, reduce side effects, overcome drug resistance, and prolong patient survival. BNCT is an emerging, targeted radiation therapy that delivers boron-containing drugs directly to cancer cells. When exposed to neutrons, these drugs undergo a nuclear reaction that produces high-energy particles that selectively damage cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. We are investigating how BNCT can be combined with other therapies to improve its selectivity and specificity, offering new hope for treating resistant cancers.

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• Cardiac Toxicity Related to Cancer Treatment (Cardio-Oncology)

  Cancer therapies, while effective at targeting cancer cells, can also cause significant damage to normal tissues, particularly the heart. Cardiac toxicity refers to the functional and structural changes in the cardiovascular system induced by cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, and includes conditions like myocarditis, heart failure, and arrhythmias. These toxic effects not only complicate cancer treatment but also increase the risk of mortality and reduce patients' quality of life. Our research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which cancer treatments induce heart damage and developing strategies to prevent or mitigate these harmful effects. Reducing cardiac toxicity is a critical challenge in improving cancer treatment outcomes.

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• Cardiac Repair and Remodeling

  After an injury or stress, the heart undergoes a series of tissue and molecular changes to restore its structure and function. These processes, collectively known as cardiac repair and remodeling, include tissue remodeling, ionic remodeling, and metabolic remodeling. While these changes are necessary for healing, they can be either beneficial or harmful depending on the nature and severity of the injury. The cardiac repair process involves a complex interplay of various cell types and signaling pathways. Using the zebrafish model, we investigate how these cells and molecules contribute to heart repair and remodeling. Our goal is to identify key regulatory factors that promote the repair of damaged myocardium, restore normal heart rhythm, prevent fibrosis, and encourage scarless healing. Ultimately, this research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies for improving heart function after injury.

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If you’re interested in learning more about our research, we invite you to explore our recent publications. We also welcome those passionate about these topics to join us in advancing translational applications in both cancer therapy and cardiovascular research.

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