Research Focus

Dr. Li's major research focus is on the function of laminin extracellular matrix in epithelial malignancies including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Laminins have been shown to be involved in a variety of critical processes including tumor cell attachment, migration and invasion. Using cellular and molecular approaches Dr. Li's lab is currently studying the functions of laminins in the processes of 1) tumor cell migration, invasion and metastasis, 2) tumor angiogenesis and microenvironmental regulation 3) interactions with cell surface integrin receptors and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), as well as potential application of laminin as a biomarker and therapeutic target.