2015 Lung Cancer Research Foundation Annual Grant Program
Xiaorong Zhou, PhD
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Research Project:
The function and mechanism of PCDH7 in lung cancer
Summary:
In previous work, Dr. Zhou performed a genetic screen with the goal of discovering new driver genes that promote lung cancer. Among the genes was PCDH7, which encodes a poorly characterized cell surface protein. The goals of this project are to examine this molecular in human lung tumors, investigate the mechanisms through which it promotes lung cancer development, and begin to develop therapeutic strategies to inhibit cancer patients. Dr. Zhou’s studies will provide insights into lung cancer biology and may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches based on inhibition of PCDH7 or its downstream signaling pathway.