Basic mechanisms

Lead Researcher:

Associate Professor Yao Wang

Most significant advances or findings in past 10yrs

My laboratory has cloned a urokinase receptor (uPAR) gene and confirmed that it is critical for cancer cell migration. We have found that an anti-uPAR molecule can inhibit colon cancer spread.

Most important aspects of current work

To fight against cancer our group has found several cancer cell death proteins which can interact with urokinase receptor. These uPAR partners may play additive roles in preventing cancer growth and metastasis.

Recent publications

Yao Wang: The role and regulation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor gene expression in cancer invasion and metastasis. Medicinal Research Reviews, 21: 146-170, 2001.

Charles Edo de Bock and Yao Wang: Clinical significance of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) expression in cancer. Medicinal Research Reviews, 24: 13-39, 2004.