We are interested in the study of brain cancers in children. As the significance of neuro-developmental pathways in childhood brain tumors are better understood, it has become apparent that many processes underlying normal brain development are disrupted and contribute to the development of childhood brain tumors. Knowledge of the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms of normal brain development is pivotal in the understanding of pediatric brain tumor development. Strategies targeting these abnormalities in developmental signaling pathways may potentially bring dramatic changes in the way we treat childhood brain tumors and significantly improve the outcome of children with these diseases. Current research interests in the lab include:
Pediatric brain tumors: To advance understanding and treatment of medulloblastoma, pediatric gliomas and other pediatric brain tumors, with following focus areas:
1. Elucidation of developmental pathways associated with pediatric brain tumors;
2. Identification and validation of pathways associated with the tumor initiation, invasion and metastasis;
3. Development of valid animal models to promote understanding of the brain tumor pathogenisis,
4. Identification of novel therapeutic targets and/or resistance mechanisms, examine safety and toxicity of therapies;
Cerebellar development: Advance the knowledge about the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing the cerebellar development.
Contact Information for Zhao Lab:
Haotian Zhao, PhD
Associate Scientist, Sanford Children’s Health Research Center
Sanford Research USD
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota
Sanford Research Center, Room 2238
2301 E 60th Street N
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Telephone: 605-312-6411
Fax: 605-328-0401
Email: Haotian.Zhao@sanfordhealth.org
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