Ma Laboratory
Li Ma, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Areas of Research
- Biochemistry Research
- Breast Cancer Research
- Hepatology Research
- Liver Cancer Research
- Melanoma Research
- miRNAs Research
- Molecular Biology Research
- ncRNAs Research
- Radiation Therapy Research
- Targeted Therapy Research
- Tumor Suppression Research
The overarching goal of the Ma laboratory is to understand the molecular mechanisms of tumor progression and metastasis. We have played a major role in establishing the current models of non-coding RNA regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Moreover, we discovered the deubiquitinases for key cancer proteins; some of these deubiquitinases are promising therapeutic targets.
Currently, our team is: (1) establishing new paradigms for RNA
functions and mechanisms (non-coding RNAs, RNA epigenetics, and
RNA-binding proteins) in tumor progression and metastasis; (2)
screening for deubiquitinating enzymes that promote tumorigenesis,
metastasis, and therapy resistance; (3) investigating novel regulators
and regulations of tumor radioresistance and drug resistance; and (4)
studying the role of specific developmental regulators in cancer,
metabolism, and regeneration by using genetically engineered mouse
models generated in our lab.
Funding
Title: Role of microRNAs in malignant progression (R00)
Funding Source: NIH/NCI
Role: Principal Investigator
Title: Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention
Funding Source: University of Texas STARS Program
Role: Principal Investigator
Title: Recruitment of First-Time, Tenure-Track Faculty Members
Funding Source: Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
Role: Principal Investigator
Title: Role of microRNAs in mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis
Funding Source: Life Sciences Research Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
Title: Role of microRNAs in malignant progression (K99)
Funding Source: NIH/NCI
Role: Principal Investigator
Title: Regulation of metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by microRNAs
Funding Source: NIH/NCI
Role: Principal Investigator
Title: Cancer Center Support Grant - Faculty Development Award
Funding Source: NIH/NCI
Role: Investigator
Title: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulators in radioresistance and DNA repair
Funding Source: NIH/NCI
Role: Principal Investigator
Title: R. Lee Clark Fellows Award
Funding Source: MDACC
Role: Principal Investigator
Title: Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor signaling and function in cancer
Funding Source: Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT)
Role: Principal Investigator
Title: Elucidate the role of miR-141 in brain metastasis from breast cancer
Funding Source: NIH/NCI
Role: Co-Investigator
Title: Deubiquitinating enzymes as novel anticancer targets
Funding Source: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Role: Principal Investigator
Title: Non-coding RNA functions in tumor metastasis
Funding Source: NIH/NCI
Role: Principal Investigator
Title: Targeting glucose metabolism with HJC0152 for treating metastatic breast cancer
Funding Source: NIH/NCI
Role: Co-Investigator
Title: The EZH2 deubiquitinase ZRANB1 as a therapeutic target in breast cancer
Funding Source: Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT)
Role: Principal Investigator
Contact Us
Li Ma, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Phone: 713-792-6590
Email: LMa4@mdanderson.org
Associate Professor, Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation
Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Associate Professor and Regular Member, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX
Office address:
Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Unit 1052 Zayed building, Z7.3034
6565 MD Anderson Blvd,
Houston TX, 77030
Lab address:
Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Unit 1052 Zayed building, Z7.2038
6565 MD Anderson Blvd,
Houston TX, 77030
Contact:
Shannon Yap
Phone: 713-792-6425
Email: SSYap@mdanderson.org