Dr. Pei’s laboratory focuses on understanding DNA damage response pathway, which is critical for maintaining genomic stability. DNA damage agents, such as ubiquitous UV and ionising radiation, activate a signaling cascade called DNA damage response pathway that initiates DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint activation. Understanding this pathway will help us understand the cause of genomic instability, a driving force of tumorigenesis. In addition, we could explore the information gained to effectively kill cancer cells, since cancer cells often are defective in some aspect of DNA damage response.

Dr. Pei’s laboratory is also interested in glycobiology, cell metabolism, and human diseases. Nutrient flux into the cell triggers protein modification by the amino sugar called N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc). This dynamic and reversible posttranslational modification is emerging as a key regulator of diverse cellular processes. We are interested in elucidating how dysregulation in this posttranslational modification contributes to human diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity and aging.