The Dong Lab integrates molecular and cellular biology, oncology, and molecular epidemiology to investigate tumorigenesis and metastasis, with a particular focus on cancer cell–tumor microenvironment interactions. We employ advanced techniques, including gene editing, genetics/genomics, spatial multi-omics, 3D culture, organoid biobanking, liquid biopsy, tissue microarrays, and various in vivo models (cell line-derived xenografts, patient-derived xenografts, and genetically engineered mouse models).
Our research explores how extracellular vesicles contribute to pre-metastatic niche formation, serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and act as therapeutic delivery vehicles for drugs, nucleotides, or immune modulators.
We are developing and engineering a diverse range of cancer therapeutics, including:
Small molecule inhibitors (SMIs)
Tumor-directed bio-nanoparticles (TD-BNPs)
Antibody/nanobody/nanoparticle drug conjugates (ADC/NDCs)
Macrophage, fibroblast, neutrophil, B cell, basophil, eosinophil, and mast cell engagers
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) and oncolytic bacteria/fungi
Virus-like vesicles (VLVs) and phage vaccines
Molecular imaging and radioimmunotherapy
3D/4D bioprinting
A major focus of our lab is ASPH, an oncofetal protein we have identified as a key biomarker and therapeutic target that drives tumor development and progression across multiple malignancies.
Dong Lab
The Dong Lab integrates molecular and cellular biology, oncology, and molecular epidemiology to investigate tumorigenesis and metastasis, with a particular focus on cancer cell–tumor microenvironment interactions. We employ advanced techniques, including gene editing, genetics/genomics, spatial multi-omics, 3D culture, organoid biobanking, liquid biopsy, tissue microarrays, and various in vivo models (cell line-derived xenografts, patient-derived xenografts, and genetically engineered mouse models).
Our research explores how extracellular vesicles contribute to pre-metastatic niche formation, serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and act as therapeutic delivery vehicles for drugs, nucleotides, or immune modulators.
We are developing and engineering a diverse range of cancer therapeutics, including:
A major focus of our lab is ASPH, an oncofetal protein we have identified as a key biomarker and therapeutic target that drives tumor development and progression across multiple malignancies.
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