Fen Wang

Education and Training

• Xiamen University, BS, MS
• Clarkson University, PhD

Research Interests

• Dr. Wang's laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular basis of cell signaling and how aberrant cell signaling leads to birth defects and causes cancers. Using in vitro cell culture systems and in vivo mouse models, the laboratory studies how the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) activates its receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase and how the activated FGFR transmits signals to downstream targets and regulates proliferation, differentiation, homeostasis and function of cells, as well as in organogenesis and development, including prostate and cardiovascular system development. The laboratory also employs molecular biology, cell biology and mouse genetic technologies to study how aberrant FGF signals promote tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. In addition, how environmental factors contribute to tumorigenesis and congenital birth defects by modulating FGF signal intensity and specificity is also under the scope of the research interests.