Back to Sloan-Kettering Institute: Research Programs

Sloan-Kettering Institute // Alexandra Joyner

Yu-Ching Peng, MD

Graduate Student

Lab Phone:

212-639-3980

E-mail:

yup2003@med.cornell.edu

Education and Training

2008-Present

PhD research, Lab of Dr. Alexandra Joyner
Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB) Allied Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences

2007-2008

Research Assistant, Lab of John Yu
Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan

1999-2006

MD, National Taiwan University, Taiwan

Research Interests

I am interested in understanding the role of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling in prostate regeneration. The mouse prostate is a unique organ in that it undergoes involution after castration and regenerates to its original size after androgen replacement. Shh is secreted by prostate epithelial cells and signals to adjacent mesenchyme. A previous graduate student, Charles Levine, in the lab has found that Shh-responding mesenchymal cells have stem cell properties in the prostate. I am currently working on the characterization of these cells and I am also trying to identify mesenchymal stem cell related genes.

The other aspect of my research is focused on the role of Shh in prostate cancer. Increased Hh signaling has been associated with prostate cancer. However, the mesenchymal targets of Shh signaling are poorly understood. I am interested in understanding the stromal-epithelial interactions which are important for tumor development.

androgen (AN-droh-jen)

A type of hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

castration (kas-TRAY-shun)

Removal or destruction of the testicles or ovaries using radiation, surgery, or drugs. Medical castration refers to the use of drugs to suppress the function of the ovaries or testicles.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cell (sel)

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

epithelial (eh-pih-THEE-lee-ul)

Refers to the cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

mesenchymal (meh-ZEN-kih-mul)

Refers to cells that develop into connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic tissue.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

organ (OR-gun)

A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

prostate (PROS-tayt)

A gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

prostate cancer (PROS-tayt KAN-ser)

Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

regeneration (ree-JEH-neh-RAY-shun)

In biology, regrowth of damaged or destroyed tissue or body part.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

stem cell (stem sel)

A cell from which other types of cells develop. For example, blood cells develop from blood-forming stem cells.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

tumor (TOO-mer)

An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)