Park Laboratory

Tumor cell plasticity contributes to tumor progression, therapy resistance, relapse and metastasis. We study the mechanisms of cell plasticity and apply such knowledge to lay a foundation for developing cancer therapies.

3D cultured organoids mimic the pathophysiology of human diseases. We genetically manipulate organoids to model human diseases and dissect the mechanisms of disease development.

Fine control of cell dynamics orchestrates tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Using organoids and animal models, we study how cell plasticity contributes to tissue regeneration.

We study the tumorigenic mechanisms of endoderm-derived cancers (intestine, stomach, esophagus and lung). Esophageal squamous cell cancer is detected at a later stage, limiting treatment options. Using genetically engineered esophageal organoids and single-cell transcriptomics of patient samples, we classify patients into specific treatment responders vs. non-responders.