We aim to characterize the hormonal functions in physiological conditions and during tumorigenesis!

Interaction between hormones and their receptors serves as communications between extracellular and intracellular signals. More than 90% of pharmaceutical drugs are hormone derivatives or molecules designed to modulate the actions of hormonal receptors. The Luo Lab currently aims to characterize the molecular actions of hormone receptors in several aspects. Several research goals are briefly described below.

Project 1. Molecular mechanisms of cancers related to the reproductive system.

We currently have two running cancer projects. (1) Ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. It is featured by high malignancy and rapid intraperitoneal metastasis. However, detailed mechanisms as well as crucial factors accounting for these characteristics have not been well studied. We establish the in vivo cancer selection model in mice and analyze TCGA cancer databases, trying to solve these puzzles. We also aim to develop nano-drugs for translational medicines through collaboration with our team groups. (2) Uterine cancer: Endometrial carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the female genital tracts. In this project, we now focus on the effects of GPCR signaling on many aspects of tumorigenesis.

Project 2. TGF-beta/BMP signaling in stem cell specification.

The signals of the TGF-beta/BMP family play crucial roles in controlling many aspects of stem cell functions, such as stemness, proliferation, differentiation and survival. In this project, we currently focus on the fields of (1) bone formation and (2) postnatal gonadal development. We aim to clarify their temporal and spatial expression profiles, their counterplaying antagonists, as well as their physiological functions in these tissues. We also aim to characterize their signaling and effects on mesenchymal stem cells in bones and germ cells in gonads. These would allow us to develop approaches to increase bone healing efficiency and to treat infertility.

*Video about our work published in Cell Commun Signal. 2022.

Project 3. Hormonal actions on ovarian development .

Mammalian ovary is the organ that contains the largest numbers of endocrine as well as paracrine factors. The communication between these signaling molecules and receptors expressed in the oocyte, granulosa cells and theca/interstitial cells governs the follicular growth and ovarian development. Therefore, we are interested in exploring the potential function and physiological regulation of the novel hormones found in the ovary.

Project 4. Functional genomic approaches for novel hormone discovery.

Using computational tools to analyze the massive protein databases in species, homologies among polypeptide hormones can be sorted and placed into families. We have identified several novel endocrine genes based on evolutionary conservation. Following the gene identification, the recombinant hormones will be generated and the potential functions will be studied.