We study the genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic mechanisms of cancer evolution, based on which we develop personalized tumor models to advance precision cancer treatment. Specifically, our research focuses on PTEN, one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancer, and we have pioneered the discovery of “nuclear PTEN” and revelation of its association with the chromosome in maintaining genomic integrity (Cell 2007). We mapped the essential domain of PTEN for anchoring chromosomes, created a mouse model, and identified a driver mutation for tumor development (Cell Rep 2014.1). Using this model, we defined a non-canonical PTEN epigenetic pathway that controls chromatin architecture and the transcriptome (Cell Rep 2014.2). Our research demonstrated that PTEN controls multiple genetic transmission processes, including DNA replication (Nat Commun 2015), DNA decatenation (Sci Rep 2015), chromosome segregation (Nat Commun 2016), and cell division (Cell Cycle 2016). In addition, we discovered the first PTEN isoform, PTENα, and demonstrated its functional interaction with canonical PTEN in regulating mitochondrial bioenergetics (Cell Metab 2014). Based on these findings, we generated additional PTEN mutant knock-in models in a conditional setting. These unique models enable mapping genetic alterations to tumor phenotypes and dissecting the PTEN function in mediating tumor-immune crosstalk. The overarching goal of our study is to identify actionable targets for cancer treatment, tailored to the genetic, epigenetic, metabolic, and immune signature of each tumor.
MEMBERS
Wen H. Shen, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Trained in Physiology and Immunology, Wen H. Shen obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her postdoctoral study at Columbia University led her research to the field of cell biology and genetics with a focus on tumor suppressor genes. While PTEN was known as a cytoplasmic protein that antagonizes PI3 kinase, her work uncovered “nuclear PTEN” and revealed its function in maintaining chromosome integrity. Since then, PTEN has entered “the nuclear age” and been recognized as a “guardian of the genome”. Her continued effort in scrutinizing the nuclear function of PTEN resulted in a number of findings that significantly expanded the PTEN tumor suppressive network. She is interested in collaborating with cancer biologists, immunologists and oncologists to implement translational studies to facilitate the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies. Dr. Shen is a member of the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center and is also affiliated with the Tri-Institutional MD-PhD training program (centered among three institutions: Weill Cornell Medicine, the Rockefeller University, and Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) and the New York Genome Center.
Raymond Briones
Research Technician
Raymond Briones graduated from the Grove School of Engineering at the City College of New York and received his B.E. in Biomedical Engineering. Raymond previously worked with microfluidic devices and how they can be used as a clinical platform to rapidly identify precise and effective therapies for individual cancer patients. Raymond is especially interested in cancer research and personalized medicine to help enhance patient's quality of life. At the Shen Lab, he is responsible for harvesting and culturing organoids from patient tumor samples to develop personalized tumor models in advancing personalized cancer treatment. During his free time, Raymond enjoys trying out new cuisines, traveling, playing sports, and attending concerts.
Suraj Patel
Research Technician
Suraj recently graduated from the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College. During his college years, he worked under Dr. Wen Shen as an undergraduate researcher. He is currently applying to medical school and will matriculate in 2024. He is interested in researching how a tumor’s genetic and epigenetic profile affects its microenvironment. He is currently involved in data analysis and management for the Radiation Oncology-Biology Integration Network (ROBIN) ImmunoRad Center. He enjoys listening to Hip Hop and Bollywood music during his free time. He also enjoys spending quality time with his family.
