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Roger Lo Lab

Roger Lo Lab

Roger Lo Lab

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Roger Lo Lab

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Research: Roger S. Lo Laboratory at UCLA

The Lo Lab studies therapeutic resistance in metastatic melanoma in order to build rationales for clinical trials and to develop novel treatment combinations or treatment regimens. In our studies of cancer resistance, we focus on foundational therapies (i.e., MAPK pathway- and immune checkpoint-targeted therapies) that are highly active against advanced melanoma but whose long-term clinical or survival impacts are still limited by difference forms of resistance (innate, adaptive, acquired). Findings from our work have served as key rationales for several clinical trials, including the successful development of BRAF and MEK inhibitor combo.

We use high-throughput technologies (whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, methylome arrays, scRNA-seq, CyTOF, etc.) to dissect melanoma biology in the context of clinical and experimental resistance. We also use traditional cell biological and biochemical approaches to dissect two major cancer pathways, i.e., the MAPK and the PD-1/PD-L1 or -L2 pathways. Below are examples of on-going projects:

1) Resistance to MEK inhibitors across melanoma sub-types and the development of novel RAF inhibitors to overcome MAPK-reactivation-driven resistance.

2) Optimal sequencing regimen using MAPK and PD-1 targeted therapies and the molecular basis for sequencing regimens.

3) Organ site-specific factors that drive melanoma metastasis and resistance to current foundational therapies. We are analyzing tumor and adjacent normal organ tissues from warm autopsies. We are also analyzing experimental metastasis of murine and human melanoma.

4) The use of PARP inhibitors in the context of melanoma with acquired resistance to MAPK inhibitors. MAPK inhibitor-resistant melanoma are “addicted” to MAPK inhibitors and, when withdrawn from the MAPK inhibitor(s), can undergo cell death when further challenged with PARP inhibitors.

5) Regulation of post-transcriptional and -translational cell-surface levels of PD-L1 and PD-L2 in cancer and the tumor microenvironment. Alterations in these processes have been implicated in acquired resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy.

6) Combination therapies that overcome innate anti-PD-1 resistance.

7) Pan-cancer therapeutic approaches inspired by recent therapeutic developments against melanoma. We are particularly interested in human malignancies driven by RAS mutations.

Lo Laboratory in the News

  • 43 UCLA scholars among most highly cited researchers for 2021 - UCLA Newsroom
  • Hollings collaborates on two studies showing how to boost immunotherapy effectiveness - Hollings Cancer Center
  • Biomarkers may predict response patterns to immunotherapy before surgery in head and neck - UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center
  • Checkpoint inhibition clears the way for subsequent MAPK inhibition - ACIR
  • Sequential-combinatorial regimens can make treatment more effective for people with aggressive cancers - Science Daily
  • Treatment of Aggressive Cancer Improved by Sequential Combination Therapy Regimen - Clinical OMICs
  • Sequential-combinatorial regimens can make treatment more effective for people with aggressive cancers - UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center
  • New combination therapy could help fight difficult-to-treat cancers with common mutations - UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center
  • New combination therapy could help fight difficult-to-treat cancers with common mutations - UCLA Newsroom
  • New combination therapy could help fight difficult-to-treat cancers with common mutations - EurekAlert!
  • Melanoma Research Alliance Announces 13 Dermatology Fellowship Awards - Business Wire
  • UCLA researchers’ efforts to combat melanoma gets $13M boost from NIH - UCLA Newsroom
  • UCLA researchers’ efforts to combat melanoma gets $13M boost from NIH - UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center
  • Dozens of UCLA scientists rank among world's most-cited researchers - UCLA Newsroom
  • Melanoma Research Alliance Announces Nine Research Awards in Inaugural Class of Dermatology Fellows - Bloomberg
  • Cancer researcher awarded $750,000 to help advance new treatments for melanoma - UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center
  • Cancer researcher awarded $750,000 to help develop new melanoma treatments - UCLA Newsroom
  • Treatment-resistant melanoma may be vulnerable to a drug holiday, UCLA study finds - UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center
  • Study unlocks how changes in gene activity early during therapy can establish the roots of drug-resistant melanoma - UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center
  • UCLA researcher receives prestigious grant to advance understanding of treatment-resistant melanoma - UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center
  • UCLA research in understanding treatment-resistant melanoma listed among AACR's most-cited of 2014 - UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center
  • Study Explores Genomic and Transcriptomic Features of Anti-PD-1 Resistance in Advanced Melanoma - The ASCO Post
  • New Research Suggests Why PD-1 Blockers Don't Work for All Melanoma Patients - DermWire
  • UCLA study identifies factors that shape how advanced melanoma responds to immunotherapy - UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center
  • Researchers' discovery is milestone in understanding treatment-resistant melanoma - Medical Press
  • Genomic and Transcriptomic Features of Response to Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma - Ebiotrade
  • UCLA researchers' discovery is milestone in understanding treatment-resistant melanoma - UCLA Newsroom
  • After UCLA-led study, combination drug therapy approved by FDA to treat advanced melanoma - UCLA Newsroom
  • UCLA researchers discover how immunotherapy threats melanoma - Examiner
  • UCLA Study Identifies Factors That Shape How Advanced Melanoma Responds to Immunotherapy - Newswise
  • Lo Lab Awarded Research Grant - MEK1/2-CDK4/6 targeting and acquired resistance mechanisms in NRAS melanoma-Melanoma Research Foundation
  • Insight Into Melanoma Drug Resistance Pathways Identifies Potential New Treatment Option - American Association for Cancer Research
  • UCLA research could enhance treatment for drug-resistant melanoma - UCLA News
  • Cancer Researchers Translate New Laboratory Findings to Enhance Melanoma Treatment - Newswise
  • New Studies Provide Insight Into Melanoma Drug Resistance Pathways and Strategy for Obtaining Durable Responses - The ASCO Post
  • SU2C researcher identifies potential treatment option for melanoma - EurekAlert!
  • Two new UCLA studies report advances in melanoma research - Examiner
  • Combinatory therapy may be effective in suppressing drug resistance in treatment of melanoma - Family Health Helper
  • Insight into melanoma drug resistance pathways identifies potential new treatment option - eCancer News
  • Combination therapy may be effective in suppressing drug resistance in treatment of melanoma - Health, Wellness, Fitness

Postdoctoral Fellows at Roger S. Lo Laboratory

We have two postdoctoral fellowships available in the Lo Laboratory, focused on melanoma research and bioinformatics.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Melanoma Research at Roger S. Lo Laboratory

This postdoctoral position is focused on melanoma research toward our understanding of the mechanisms of acquired resistance to targeted therapies (B-RAF inhibitors) using integrated genomics. We are affiliated with the Department of Medicine/Division of Dermatology, the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, and the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (Tumor Cell Biology Program) at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The ideal candidate must have extensive experience handling RNA, DNA and protein. His or her skill set should include:

  • Molecular cloning
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • FACS analysis
  • Immuno-blotting
  • Mammalian cell culture
  • Viral transduction
  • Microscopy
  • Small animal work

Interested individuals should have:

  • Strength in bioinformatic skills, a significant advantage
  • Fluency in English and strong written and oral communication skills: Prerequisites
  • Permanent U.S. residency or citizenship: Preferred but not required
  • At least one first-authored publication in a top-ranked, peer-reviewed journal

Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioinformatics

This position is available immediately in the Lo Laboratory, which is focused on melanoma research in the following thematic areas:

  • Discovering somatically mutated genes in melanoma using exon capture and next-generation sequencing and studying these genes in the pathogenesis of melanoma
  • Understand the mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to targeted therapies (including B-RAF inhibitors) using integrated genomic technologies

We are affiliated with the following departments at UCLA:

  • Department of Medicine/Division of Dermatology
  • Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology
  • Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (Tumor Cell Biology Program)

The ideal candidates must have experience with:

  • RNA expression profiles (GO, GSEA, etc.)
  • Genomic DNA copy number variation data
  • Tools for handling large data sets

Interested individuals should have:

  • Experience with analysis of highly parallel sequencing data: A plus, but may be acquired via training by our current postdoctoral fellow.
  • Fluency in English and strong written and oral communication skills: Prerequisites
  • Permanent U.S. residency or citizenship: Not required
  • At least one first-authored publication in a peer-reviewed journal

Apply for Postdoctoral Fellowships at Roger S. Lo Laboratory

Interested individuals should forward a CV along with three letters of recommendation, one from the doctoral thesis advisor or current employer, to [email protected].

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