Jialing Xiang, Ph.D.

The work in my laboratory is focused on the molecular mechanisms of cancer and its potential therapy. Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, which results from unlimited proliferation and malfunction of programmed cell death (apoptosis). Apoptosis is an essential process both in normal development and in homeostasis, removing unwanted cells. It is recognized that apoptosis plays a critical role in the development and progression of cancer. The apoptotic process is regulated by many genes, including the Bcl-2 family. The Bcl-2 family contains pro-apoptotic molecules such as Bax and Bak, and anti-apoptotic molecules such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. We use the pro-apoptotic Bax molecule as a model system to study the role of the apoptotic machinery in the development of cancer.

We are currently studying the Bax-mediated apoptotic pathway and its associated signal-transduction network in the progression of prostate cancer using both in vitro and in vivo prostate cancer model systems. Additionally, we are also interested in the cross-talk among the different signaling pathways. We believe that understanding the apoptotic signaling mechanism of cancer cells should shed light on our understanding of the cancer development and may provide information critical for treatment and prevention of cancers.