LAN LAB
RNA Biology · Genome Stability · Cancer Therapeutics
Decoding RNA-dependent genome maintenance to uncover new vulnerabilities in cancer.
The Lan Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that connect RNA biology, R-loops, DNA repair, genome stability, and cancer immunity. By uncovering how these pathways shape tumor development, immune responses, and therapeutic vulnerabilities, we aim to translate fundamental discoveries into biomarkers, novel drug targets, small-molecule inhibitors, targeted protein degraders, and precision therapeutic strategies for cancer.
News
Two drugs together kill small cell lung cancer in the laboratory
A Duke study pairs an approved leukemia drug with an ATR inhibitor to kill metastatic small cell lung cancer cells, with the Lan Lab on the DNA repair work.
News
Ultrasound-Activated Microbubbles Deliver OPROTACs Directly Into Cancer Cells
A Duke team developed SonoPIN, an ultrasound-based platform that opens temporary pores in cancer cells to deliver large protein-degrading drugs with high efficiency and selectivity.
News
Mary Kay Ash Foundation grant for a TRDMT1 drug in ovarian and breast cancer
The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation funds the lab's work on the mRNA methyltransferase TRDMT1 in ovarian and breast cancer.
2026
November
Upcoming Seminars
Translating RNA Insights into Precision Radiation Oncology is a two-day virtual workshop hosted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that will bring together experts in RNA biology, radiation oncology, cancer research, and related disciplines to explore emerging opportunities at the intersection of RNA science and precision radiation therapy.
The workshop will highlight current advances in understanding RNA-mediated mechanisms in cancer and radiation response, while fostering interdisciplinary discussion on how these discoveries may be translated into new approaches for improving radiation treatment and patient outcomes. Through presentations and scientific discussion, participants will have opportunities to exchange ideas, identify knowledge gaps, and explore future directions for research and collaboration.
Dates: November 4–5, 2026
Time: 1:00–5:00 PM ET
Format: Virtual Workshop
Hosted by: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Research programs
RNA & R-loop-Dependent DNA Repair
Defining how RNA and RNA modifications regulate DNA repair and genome maintenance.Replication Stress & Genome Stability
Understanding how transcription, replication, and DNA repair intersect in cancer.Telomere Biology & Genome Maintenance
Understanding how cancer cells maintain chromosome ends and exploit telomere-maintenance pathways.cGAS, Genome Surveillance & Cancer Immunity
Connecting genome instability and DNA damage with innate immunity and tumor-immune interactions.Cancer Drug Development & Precision Therapeutics
Translating discoveries in genome maintenance and RNA biology into new therapeutic strategies for cancer.
From Mechanism to Therapy
Discover
New genome-maintenance pathways
Understand
RNA, R-loops and DNA repair mechanisms
Target
Cancer-specific dependencies
Translate
Biomarkers and new therapeutics
Mechanisms we study
Opportunities we pursue
Featured discoveries
ABL1-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of SYCP2 contributes to transcription-coupled homologous recombination and platinum resistance in ovarian cancer
