About the Lab
Dr. Zhao's lab focuses on understanding how translational regulation is rewired in cancer, with a particular focus on triple-negative breast cancer. Her work spans from mechanistic RNA biology to translational therapeutics, and has contributed to moving targeted therapies into clinical trials. She has been recognized with awards from METAvivor, Mary Kay Ash Foundation, Susan G. Komen, CPRIT and NCI, among others.
Primary Investigator
Lab Projects
Cancer cells co-opt translational regulators (initiation factors, tRNA charging enzymes, and others) to selectively amplify translation of specific oncogenic messages while ignoring others. We map these dependencies to understand which molecular switches cancer flips and why.
- Polysome profiling
- Ribosome footprinting
- Functional genomics
Tumors aren't just cancer cells. They're complex ecosystems of immune cells, stroma, and signaling molecules. We investigate how this microenvironment reprograms translational landscapes, creating feedback loops that fuel metastasis, immune evasion, and drug resistance.
- Single-cell analysis
- Spatial transcriptomics
- Organoid models
This isn't purely academic. Our discovery that eIF4A is a critical driver of triple-negative breast cancer has already contributed to a clinical trial. We continue developing strategies to therapeutically target translational dependencies, working to turn biological insights into real options for patients.
- Preclinical models
- Drug development
- Clinical collaboration
News and Events
- Na promoted to tenure-track assistant professor
Na is promoted to tenure-track assistant professor at Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center and Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology!
- METAvivor Early-Career Investigator Award
Funding new investigations into translational vulnerabilities in breast cancer liver metastasis. - CPRIT Individual Investigator Research Awards for Clinical Trials
In collaboration with Drs. Jeffrey Rosen and Bora Lim, the team received $1.6 million from CPRIT to conduct a Phase Ib clinical trial of eIF4A inhibitor in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients. - Mary Kay Ash Foundation Research Grant
Funding therapeutic investigation of eIF4A targeted therapy in lung metastasis. - NIH-NCI K22 Intent to Fund
Na received intent-to-fund notice from NIH-NCI on her K22 application aimed at investigating mechanisms underlying interferon response regulation by translation regulators. - Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Research Award
This award will enable the study of the role of translational regulation in metastasis.