General Research Interest
Ca2+ channels, Esophageal cancers, Cancer prevention, Barrett’s esophagus, Ca2+ signaling in muscle cells Research Description
The long-term goal of Dr. Pan’s laboratory is to search for effective prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic means for treatment of esophageal cancers by targeting Ca2+ signaling pathway. Of particular interests are Orai1, an important Ca2+ channel involved in cancer cell proliferation, migration, metastasis and apoptosis. The current effort is focused on understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the function of Orai1 and its regulatory molecules in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and Barrett’s esophagus. Our experimental approach includes high-spatiotemporal resolution optical imaging, molecular and cellular biology as well as small rodent animal models.Transinstitutional Work
Dr. Pan is collaborating with Dr. Kyle Perry, Assistant Professor of Surgery to evaluate novel prognostic biomarkers for Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. She also works closely with Dr. Jianjie Ma in conducting pre-clinical studies on a potent pro-apoptotic peptide in treatment of various cancers.