Jae-Il Park, Ph.D.
Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor, Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Research Interests
Our goal is to study how developmental signaling and stem cells are engaged in tissue homeostasis, regeneration and cancer, and use that knowledge to develop biomarkers and therapy for human diseases. We utilize genetically engineered mice and organoids with a specific interest in Wnt signaling
Wnt signaling plays key roles in governing various cellular processes during embryogenesis, organogenesis, and tissue homeostasis. We are exploring how Wnt signaling controls tissue stem and progenitor cells and orchestrates tissue regeneration. Aberrant activation of Wnt signaling contributes to cancer. Given the crucial roles of Wnt signaling in tissue homeostasis and regeneration, direct targeting of Wnt signaling as a cancer treatment is challenging. To overcome this, we are in the study of new molecules, cancer-specific regulators of Wnt signaling, in pre-clinical model systems.
We are interested in understanding how developmental signaling and stem cells are engaged in tissue homeostasis, regeneration, and cancer. For more information, please visit our website at www.jparklab.org.
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2006 | The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA, PHD, Genes and Development (advisor: Pierre D. McCrea, PhD) |
| 2001 | Korea University, Seoul, KOR, MS, Molecular Biology (advisor: Sung-Gil Chi, PhD) |
| 1999 | Korea University, Seoul, KOR, BS, Biology |
Postgraduate Training
| 2006-2010 | Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2016 - 2022
Assistant Professor, Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2010 - 2016
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
Regular member, Genetics and Epigenetics Program, Houston, TX, 2014 - Present
Regular Member, The University of Texas - Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 2010 - Present
Regular member, Cancer Biology Program, Houston, TX, 2010 - 2014
Institutional Committee Activities
Faculty Senator, The Faculty Senate, 2016 - 2018
Committee member, Admission Committee - The University of Texas - Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 2015 - 2018
Committee member, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, 2015 - Present
Committee member, Faculty Academic Review Committee, 2015 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2020 | CPRIT Scholar, CPRIT |
| 2015 | DOD CDMRP Career Development Award |
| 2014 | CPRIT Scholar, CPRIT |
| 2011 | Rising STARS Award, University of Texas |
| 2011 | AACR - Career Development Award, PANCAN |
| 2011 | CCSG New Faculty Award, MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2008 | Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Center Fellowship, Stanford School of Medicine |
| 2007 | Dean's Fellowship, Stanford School of Medicine |
| 2006 | Presidents' Scholar Award, UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and UT Health Science Center |
| 2006 | Grady Saunders Award, UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2005 | Rosalie B. Hite Fellowship, UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2005 | Travel Award, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Health Science Center |
| 2005 | Research Achievement Award, UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2005 | Travel Award, UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2004 | Research Achievement Award, UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| 1999 | Magna Cum Laude, Korea University |
| 1997 | Honors Scholarships, Korea University |
| 1992 | Freshman Special Scholarship, Korea University |
Professional Memberships
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Ko KP, Huang Y, Zhang S, Zou G, Kim B, Zhang J, Jun S, Martin C, Dunbar KJ, Efe G, Rustgi AK, Nakagawa H, Park JI. Key Genetic Determinants Driving Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Initiation and Immune Evasion. Gastroenterology. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37257519.
- Zhang S, Lee SH, Nie L, Huang Y, Zou G, Jung YS, Jun S, Zhang J, Lien EM, Chen J, Park JI. Lysosomal TMEM9-LAMTOR4-controlled mTOR signaling integrity is required for mammary tumorigenesis. Cancer Communications. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36336962.
- Kim KB, Kim DW, Kim Y, Tang J, Kirk N, Gan Y, Kim B, Fang B, Park JL, Zheng Y, Park KS. WNT5A-RHOA Signaling Is a Driver of Tumorigenesis and Represents a Therapeutically Actionable Vulnerability in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Research 82(22):4219-4233, 2022. PMID: 36102736.
- Kim KB, Kabra A, Kim DW, Xue Y, Huang Y, Hou PC, Zhou Y, Miranda LJ, Park JI, Shi X, Bender TP, Bush JH, Park KS. KIX domain determines a selective tumor-promoting role for EP300 and its vulnerability in small-cell lung cancer. Science Advances 18(8), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35171684.
- Zheng B, Ko KP, Fang X, Wang X, Zhang J, Jun S, Kim BJ, Luo W, Kim MJ, Jung YS, Cervantes CL, Park JI. A new murine esophageal organoid culture method and organoid-based model of esophageal squamous cell neoplasia. iScience 24(12):103440, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34877497.
- Jung YS, Stratton SA, Lee SH, Kim MJ, Jun S, Zhang J, Zheng B, Cervantes CL, Cha JH, Barton MC, Park JI. TMEM9-v-ATPase Activates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling via APC Lysosomal Degradation for Liver regeneration and Tumorigenesis. Hepatology 73(2):76-794, 2021. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32380568.
- Kim MJ, Cervantes C, Jung YS, Zhang X, Zhang J, Lee SH, Jun S, Litovchick L, Wang W, Chen J, Fang B, Park JI. PAF Remodels the DREAM Complex to Bypass Cell Quiescence and Promote Lung Tumorigenesis. Mol Cell 81(8):1698-1714.e6. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33626321.
- Shen X, Wang R, Kim MJ, Hu Q, Hsu CC, Yao J, Klages-Mundt N, Tian Y, Lynn E, Brewer TF, Zhang Y, Arun B, Gan B, Andreeff M, Takeda S, Chen J, Park JI, Shi X, Chang CJ, Jung SY, Qin J, Li L. A Surge of DNA Damage Links Transcriptional Reprogramming and Hematopoietic Deficit in Fanconi Anemia. Mol Cell 80(6):1013-1024.e6, 2020. PMID: 33338401.
- Kim HK, Bae J, Lee SH, Hwang SH, Kim MS, Kim MJ, Jun S, Cervantes CL, Jung YS, Back S, Lee H, Lee SE, Dougherty PM, Lee SW, Park JI, Abdi S. Blockers of Wnt3a, Wnt10a, or β-Catenin Prevent Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain In Vivo. Neurotherapeutics 18:601-614, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 33128175.
- Jung YS, Jun S, Kim MJ, Lee SH, Suh HN, Lien EM, Jung HY, Lee S, Zhang J, Yang JI, Ji H, Wu JY, Wang W, Miller RK, Chen J, McCrea PD, Kopetz S, Park JI. TMEM9 promotes intestinal tumorigenesis through vacuolar-ATPase-activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Nature Cell Biology 20(12):1421-1433, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30374053.
- Jung YS, Wang W, Jun S, Zhang J, Srivastava M, Kim MJ, Lien EM, Shang J, Chen J, McCrea PD, Zhang S, Park JI. Deregulation of CRAD-controlled cytoskeleton initiates mucinous colorectal cancer via β-catenin. Nature Cell Biology 20(11):1303-1314, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30361697.
- Kim MJ, Xia B, Suh HN, Lee SH, Jun S, Lien EM, Zhang J, Chen K, Park JI. PAF-Myc-Controlled Cell Stemness Is Required for Intestinal Regeneration and Tumorigenesis. Developmental Cell 44(5):582-596.e4, 2018. PMID: 29533773.
- Suh HN, Kim MJ, Jung YS, Lien EM, Jun S, Park JI. Quiescence Exit of Tert+ Stem Cells by Wnt/β-Catenin Is Indispensable for Intestinal Regeneration. Cell Reports 21(9):2571-2584, 2017. PMID: 29186692.
- Suh HN, Jun S, Oh AY, Srivastava M, Lee S, Taniguchi CM, Zhang S, Lee WS, Chen J, Park BJ, Park JI. Identification of KIAA1199 as a Biomarker for Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia. Scientific Reports 6:38273, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27922049.
- Jun S, Jung YS, Suh HN, Wang W, Kim MJ, Oh YS, Lien EM, Shen X, Matsumoto Y, McCrea PD, Li L, Chen J, Park JI. LIG4 mediates Wnt signaling-induced radioresistance. Nature Communications 7:10994, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27009971.
- Wang X, Jung YS, Jun S, Lee S, Wang W, Schneider A, Sun Oh Y, Lin SH, Park BJ, Chen J, Keyomarsi K, Park JI. PAF-Wnt Signaling-Induced Cell Plasticity Is Required for Maintenance of Breast Cancer Cell Stemness. Nature Communications doi:10.1038/ncomms10633:10633, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 26843124.
- Jung YS, Jun S, Lee SH, Sharma A, Park JI. Wnt2 complements Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colorectal cancer. Oncotarget 6(35)(35):37257-68, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 26484565.
- Wang W, Li X, Lee M, Jun S, Aziz KE, Feng L, Tran MK, Li N, McCrea PD, Park JI, Chen J. FOXKs Promote Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling by Translocating DVL into the Nucleus. Developmental Cell 32(6):707-18, 2015. PMID: 25805136.
- Lee M, Ji H, Furuta Y, Park JI, McCrea PD. P120-catenin regulates REST/CoREST, and modulates mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation. J Cell Sci 127(Pt 18):4037-51, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 25074806.
- Jung HY, Jun S, Lee M, Kim HC, Wang X, Ji H, McCrea PD, Park JI. PAF and EZH2 Induce Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Hyperactivation. Molecular Cell 52(2):193-205, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 24055345.
- Jun S, Lee SH, Kim HC, Ng C, Schneider AM, Ji H, Ying H, Wang H, DePinho RA, Park JI. PAF-Mediated MAPK Signaling Hyperactivation via LAMTOR3 Induces Pancreatic Tumorigenesis. Cell Reports 21:2571-2584. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 24209743.
- Wang X, Singh S, Jung HY, Yang G, Jun S, Sastry KJ, Park JI. HIV-1 Vpr Inhibits Telomerase Activity Via EDD-DDB1-VPRB3 E3 Ligase Complex. J Biol Chem 288(22):15474-80, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23612978.
- Jung HY, Wang X, Jun S, Park JI. Dyrk2-Associated EDD-DDB1-VprBP E3 Ligase Inhibits Telomerase by TERT Degradation. J Biol Chem 288(10):7252-62, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23362280.
- Wang W, Huang J, Wang X, Yuan J, Li X, Feng L, Park JI, Chen J. PTPN14 is required for the density-dependent control of YAP1. Genes Dev 26(17):1959-71, 2012. PMID: 22948661.
- Hong JY, Park JI, Lee M, Muñoz WA, Miller RK, Ji H, Gu D, Ezan J, Sokol SY, McCrea PD. Down's-syndrome-related kinase Dyrk1A modulates the p120-catenin-Kaiso trajectory of the Wnt signaling pathway. J Cell Sci 125(Pt 3):561-9, 2012. PMID: 22389395.
- Hong JY, Park JI, Cho K, Gu D, Ji H, Artandi SE, McCrea PD. Shared molecular mechanisms regulate multiple catenin proteins: canonical Wnt signals and components modulate p120-catenin isoform-1 and additional p120 subfamily members. J Cell Sci 123(Pt 24):4351-4365, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 21098636.
- Park JI, Venteicher AS, Hong JY, Choi J, Jun S, Shkreli M, Chang W, Meng Z, Cheung P, Ji H, McLaughlin M, Veenstra TD, Nusse R, McCrea PD, Artandi SE. Telomerase modulates Wnt signaling by association with target gene chromatin. Nature 460(7251):66-72, 2009. PMID: 19571879.
- Lyons JP, Miller RK, Zhou X, Weidinger G, Deroo T, Denayer T, Park JI, Ji H, Hong JY, Li A, Moon RT, Jones EA, Vleminckx K, Vize PD, McCrea PD. Requirement of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in pronephric kidney development. Mech Dev 126(3-4):142-59, 2009. e-Pub 2008. PMID: 19100832.
- Park JI, Ji H, Jun S, Gu D, Hikasa H, Li L, Sokol SY, McCrea PD. Frodo links Dishevelled to the p120-catenin/Kaiso pathway: distinct catenin subfamilies promote Wnt signals. Developmental Cell 11(5):683-95, 2006. PMID: 17084360.
- Park JI, Kim SW, Lyons JP, Ji H, Nguyen TT, Cho K, Barton MC, Deroo T, Vleminckx K, Moon RT, McCrea PD. Kaiso/p120-catenin and TCF/beta-catenin complexes coordinately regulate canonical Wnt gene targets. Developmental Cell 8(6):843-54, 2005. PMID: 15935774.
- Kim SW, Park JI, Spring CM, Sater AK, Ji H, Otchere AA, Daniel JM, McCrea PD. Non-canonical Wnt signals are modulated by the Kaiso transcriptional repressor and p120-catenin. Nature Cell Biology 6(12):1212-20, 2004. e-Pub 2004. PMID: 15543138.
- Fang X, Ji H, Kim SW, Park JI, Vaught TG, Anastasiadis PZ, Ciesiolka M, McCrea PD. Vertebrate development requires ARVCF and p120 catenins and their interplay with RhoA and Rac. J Cell Biol 165(1):87-98, 2004. e-Pub 2004. PMID: 15067024.
- Park JI, Lee MG, Cho K, Park BJ, Chae KS, Byun DS, Ryu BK, Park YK, Chi SG. Transforming growth factor-beta1 activates interleukin-6 expression in prostate cancer cells through the synergistic collaboration of the Smad2, p38-NF-kappaB, JNK, and Ras signaling pathways. Oncogene 22(28):4314-32, 2003. PMID: 12853969.
- Byun DS, Cho K, Ryu BK, Lee MG, Park JI, Chae KS, Kim HJ, Chi SG. Frequent monoallelic deletion of PTEN and its reciprocal association with PIK3CA amplification in gastric carcinoma. Int J Cancer 104(3):318-27, 2003. PMID: 12569555.
- Park BJ, Park JI, Byun DS, Park JH, Chi SG. Mitogenic conversion of transforming growth factor-beta1 effect by oncogenic Ha-Ras-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in human prostate cancer. Cancer Res 60(11):3031-8, 2000. PMID: 10850453.
- Kang MJ, Park BJ, Byun DS, Park JI, Kim HJ, Park JH, Chi SG. Loss of imprinting and elevated expression of wild-type p73 in human gastric adenocarcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 6(5):1767-71, 2000. PMID: 10815895.
Invited Articles
- Zou G, Park JI. WNT Signaling in Liver Regeneration, Disease, and Cancer. Clin Mol Hepatol 29(1):33-50, 2023. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35785913.
- Kim MJ, Huang Y, Park JI. Targeting Wnt Signaling for Gastrointestinal Cancer Therapy: Present and Evolving Views. Cancers (Basel) 12(12), 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 33291655.
- Jung YS, Park JI. Wnt signaling in cancer: therapeutic targeting of Wnt signaling beyond β-catenin and the destruction complex. Exp Mol Med 52(2):183-191, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32037398.
- McCrea PD, Park JI. Developmental functions of the P120-catenin sub-family. Biochim Biophys Acta 1773(1):17-33, 2007. e-Pub 2006. PMID: 16942809.
Editorials
- Jung YS, Kim MJ, Park JI. LncGata6-controlled stemness in regeneration and cancer. Noncoding RNA Investig 3, 2019. PMID: 30775691.
Grant & Contract Support
| Title: | CRAD Tumor Suppressor and Mucinous Adenocarcinoma |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Principal Investigator-MDACC |
| Title: | Modeling Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer Initiation |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Principal Investigator |
| Title: | PAF-Remodeled DREAM Complex in Cancer and Regeneration |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Principal Investigator |
| Title: | Cell Lineage Plasticity in Lung Preneoplasia |
| Funding Source: | UT MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| Role: | Principal Investigator |
| Title: | Molecular determinants for preneoplasia-immune microenvironment interaction during small-cell lung cancer development |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-Investigator |
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified June 15, 2023