Division of Cancer Cell Biology

In response to genetic and epigenetic insults, normal cells execute various cellular responses such as cellular senescence to prevent carcinogenesis. Our research interests are to establish the physiological relevance of cellular senescence in cancer and various age associated diseases. Our final goal is to develop innovative cancer therapies, prevention, and anti aging strategies through regulating and/or eliminating senescent cells in vivo (senotherapy). We are currently focusing on identification and characterization of senescent cells in vivo. In addition, in order to understand the molecular basis of various age related disorders, mechanisms underlying replication of epigenomic information such as DNA methylation are also under investigation.