How does cancer hijack translation machinery, and can this process be therapeutically exploited?

Every cell in your body relies on the same fundamental process to make proteins: translation. Cancer cells don't just mutate their genes. They rewire which messages get translated and how. We study this process to find vulnerabilities that could become the next wave of cancer therapies.

Our work has already helped move a therapy into a clinical trial, and we're just getting started.

Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center · Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center · Baylor College of Medicine
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Research

The Questions That Drive Us

Cancer cells don't just carry mutations; they change the rules of how messages become proteins. This process, called translational regulation, is one of the most underexplored layers of cancer biology. Our lab asks: how do tumors rewire this machinery, and can we exploit it to develop new treatments?

Question I

How does cancer rewire its protein-making machinery?

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
Question II

How does the tumor ecosystem reshape translation?

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
Question III

Can we target translation to treat patients?

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
🎯

From Discovery to Clinical Trial

Our research on eIF4A's role in triple-negative breast cancer directly contributed to a Phase 1b clinical trial, demonstrating that fundamental insights into translational regulation have the potential to make a real difference for cancer patients.

People

Our Team

A collaborative group of researchers driven by curiosity and a commitment to impactful cancer biology.

Na Zhao

Na Zhao, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator · Assistant Professor
Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center
Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center
Baylor College of Medicine

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.

Outside of work, she enjoys playing with her kids and reading Wuxia novels.

Google Scholar PubMed
Lab Members
Sebastian Calderon

Sebastian Calderon

Research Assistant & Lab Manager

B.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Houston Christian University. Over four years of research experience supporting TNBC studies, mouse colony management, in vivo experiments, surgical procedures, and histological processing.

Enjoys reading, hiking, playing piano, and volunteering with a hospice organization.

Chuling Zhuang

Chuling Zhuang

Graduate Student

Ph.D. student in Cancer & Cell Biology at BCM (joined 2025). B.S. in Molecular & Cell Biology from UC San Diego; M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from MD Anderson UTHealth Houston. Passionate about molecular mechanisms and translational cancer research.

Enjoys photography, K-pop concerts, baking, and badminton.

Annika Porteous

Annika Porteous

Student Volunteer

Rising senior at Rice University studying bioengineering on the pre-med track. Investigating how breast tumor liver metastasis alters the liver microenvironment through changes in immune cell infiltration, fibrosis, and angiogenesis.

Publications

Publications

Full list on Google Scholar.

2026
CELF1 is a non-canonical eIF4E binding protein that promotes translation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition effector mRNAs
Chaudhury A, Kongchan N … Zhao N … Ferreon J, Neilson JR
Nucleic Acids Research, 54(5)
2026
Anti-CSF-1R therapy with combined immuno-chemotherapy coordinate an adaptive immune response to eliminate macrophage enriched Triple Negative Breast Cancers
Pedroza DA, Yuan X … Zhao N … Zhang X, Rosen JM
Nature Communications, 17(1):1193
2025
My academic job offer was rescinded. I'll keep going—but U.S. researchers are running out of road
Zhao N
Science (Working Life)
2024
IRE1α silences dsRNA to prevent taxane-induced pyroptosis in triple-negative breast cancer
Xu L, Peng F … Zhao N … Rosen JR, Chen X
Cell, 187(25), 7248-7266
2024
CREB-binding protein/P300 bromodomain inhibition reduces neutrophil accumulation and activates antitumor immunity in triple-negative breast cancer
Yuan X, Hao X, Chan HL, Zhao N … Zhang X, Rosen JM
JCI Insight, 9(20):e182621
2023
Targeting EIF4A triggers an interferon response to synergize with chemotherapy and suppress triple-negative breast cancer
Zhao N, Kabotyanski E, Saltzman A … Perou C, Rosen JM
Journal of Clinical Investigation, 133(24)
Highlighted by 11 news outlets; data led to clinical trial preparation
2022
Breast cancer heterogeneity through the lens of single-cell analysis and spatial pathologies
Zhao N, Rosen JM
Seminars in Cancer Biology, 82, 3-10
2022
Noncanonical Wnt/Ror2 signaling regulates cell–matrix adhesion to prompt directional tumor cell invasion in breast cancer
Si H, Zhao N, Pedroza A, Zaske AM, Rosen JM, Creighton CJ, Roarty K
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 33(11):ar103
2022
Chemotherapy coupled to macrophage inhibition induces T-cell and B-cell infiltration and durable regression in triple-negative breast cancer
Singh S, Lee N … Zhao N … Perou CM, Zhang X, Rosen JM
Cancer Research, 82(12), 2281-2297
2022
Downregulation of a mitochondrial micropeptide, MPM, promotes hepatoma metastasis by enhancing mitochondrial complex I activity
Xiao MH, Lin YF … Zhao N … Zhu Y, Fang JH
Molecular Therapy, 30(2), 714-725
2021
Morphological screening of mesenchymal mammary tumor organoids to identify drugs that reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Zhao N, Powell RT … Stephan CC, Rosen JM
Nature Communications, 12(1), 4262
Featured in The Scientist magazine
2021
Single Cell Analysis Unveils the Role of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Notch Signaling in Dormant Minimal Residual Disease
Janghorban M, Yang Y, Zhao N, Hamor C, Nguyen TM, Zhang XH, Rosen JM
Cancer Research, 82(5), 885-899
2020
A hMTR4-PDIA3P1-miR-125/124-TRAF6 Regulatory Axis and Its Function in NF-κB Signaling and Chemoresistance
Xie C, Zhang LZ … Zhao N, He X, Zhuang SM
Hepatology, 71(5), 1660-1677
2020
The SINEB1 element in the long non-coding RNA Malat1 is necessary for TDP-43 proteostasis
Nguyen TM, Kabotyanski EB … Zhao N … Li W, Rosen JM
Nucleic Acids Research, 48(5), 2621-2642
2019
Translated Long Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid ZFAS1 Promotes Cancer Cell Migration by Elevating Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Guo ZW, Meng Y, Xie C, Zhao N … Wu YS
Frontiers in Genetics, 10, 1111
2019
Pharmacological Targeting of BET Bromodomains Inhibits Lens Fibrosis via Downregulation of MYC Expression
Wang X, Wang B, Zhao N … Huang S, Liu Y
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 60(14), 4748-4758
2019
Immuno-subtyping of breast cancer reveals distinct myeloid cell profiles and immunotherapy resistance mechanisms
Kim IS, Gao Y … Zhao N … Rosen JM, Zhang XH
Nature Cell Biology, 21(9), 1113-1126
2019
A novel mitochondrial micropeptide MPM enhances mitochondrial respiratory activity and promotes myogenic differentiation
Lin YF, Xiao MH … Zhao N … Zhu Y, Zhuang SM
Cell Death & Disease, 10(7), 528
2019
GSK3β regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell properties in triple-negative breast cancer
Vijay GV, Zhao N … Rosen JM, Mani SA
Breast Cancer Research, 21(1), 1-14
2019
The Unfolded Protein Response in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Zhao N, Peng F, Chen X
The Unfolded Protein Response in Cancer, Humana Press, 133-61
2018
Pharmacological targeting of MYC-regulated IRE1/XBP1 pathway suppresses MYC-driven breast cancer
Zhao N, Cao J … Lewis MT, Chen X
Journal of Clinical Investigation, 128(4), 1283-1299
249 citations; data led to Phase I/II SPORE clinical trial
2018
miR-205 Regulates Basal Cell Identity and Stem Cell Regenerative Potential During Mammary Reconstitution
Lu Y, Cao J, Napoli M, Xia Z, Zhao N … McManus MT, Rosen JM
Stem Cells, 36(12), 1875-1889
2018
Identification of a TGF-β-miR-195 positive feedback loop in hepatocytes and its deregulation in hepatoma cells
Wang R, Fu T, You K, Li S, Zhao N, Yang J, Zhuang SM
FASEB Journal, 32(7), 3936-3945
2016
Expression of microRNA-195 is transactivated by Sp1 but inhibited by histone deacetylase 3 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Zhao N, Li S, Wang R, Xiao M, Meng Y, Zeng C, Fang JH, Yang J, Zhuang SM
BBA-Gene Regulatory Mechanisms, 1859(7), 933-942
2014
MicroRNA-26b suppresses the NF-κB signaling and enhances the chemosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting TAK1 and TAB3
Zhao N, Wang R, Zhou L, Zhu Y, Gong J, Zhuang SM
Molecular Cancer, 13(1), 1-11
197 citations
2013
MicroRNA-195 suppresses angiogenesis and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting the expression of VEGF, VAV2, and CDC42
Wang R, Zhao N, Li S, Fang JH … Zhuang SM
Hepatology, 58(2), 642-653
269 citations
News

Lab Highlights

Recent milestones and recognition.

May 2026

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!

May 2026

Sebastian becomes Zhao Lab Manager

Sebastian will take on the responsibility of Zhao lab manager. His experience will ensure the smooth operation of the lab.

Mar 2026

Chuling officially joins Zhao Lab

Chuling officially joined Zhao lab after rotation. A new chapter of Zhao lab begins.

Jan 2026

Chuling starts rotation

Chuling started rotation in Zhao lab. Her project involves translational regulation during macrophage polarization.

Dec 2025

METAvivor Early-Career Investigator Award

Funding new investigations into translational vulnerabilities in breast cancer liver metastasis.

Nov 2025

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.

Aug 2025

Mary Kay Ash Foundation Research Grant

Funding therapeutic investigation of eIF4A targeted therapy in lung metastasis.

Jul 2025

Science Working Life Essay Published

Dr. Zhao's personal essay on the journey of building a research career is published in Science magazine's Working Life column. Read the essay →

Jul 2025

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.

Apr 2025

Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Research Award

This award will enable the study of the role of translational regulation in metastasis.

Resources

Useful Online Resources

A curated collection of tools and references we find valuable for research and professional development.

Data Analysis
🔬 QuPath — IHC/IF Image Analysis 🎬 Pete Bankhead — QuPath Tutorials 🧬 DepMap — Cancer Dependency Map 🧪 PhosphoSitePlus — Post-Translational Modifications 📊 cBioPortal — Cancer Genomics 🧬 Human Protein Atlas 📊 LinkedOmics — Cancer Omics Analysis 📊 UALCAN — Cancer Omics Analysis 📊 MammOnc — Breast Cancer Genomics 📖 R for Data Science 📊 ELDA — Limiting Dilution Analysis 🧬 CellxGene — Single Cell Analysis 🔗 BioPlex — Protein Interaction Network 🧬 UCSC Genome Browser
Handy Tools
🧪 PrimerBank — RT-qPCR Primers 🧮 Molarity Calculator 🐁 PDX Portal — BCM 🎬 Portal Vein Injection — JoVE 💡 FluoroFinder — Flow Panel Builder
Professional Development
✍️ The Craft of Writing 🎤 The Art of Lecturing 📝 How to Give a Chalk Talk
Join Us

Work With Us

We're looking for curious, detail-oriented, and motivated scientists who want their work to matter.

The Zhao Lab is a collaborative and supportive environment where trainees develop real expertise in cancer biology, RNA regulation, and translational research. We value scientific rigor, creativity, and the drive to make discoveries that change how we understand and treat cancer.

We're a young, growing lab, which means every member shapes our direction and culture. If you're excited about understanding biology at a fundamental level and translating that into therapeutic impact, we'd love to hear from you.

We are currently seeking:
  • Postdoctoral fellows with expertise in cancer biology, RNA biology, or immunology
  • Graduate students through BCM's Cancer and Cell Biology or related programs
  • Motivated undergraduate researchers for summer or year-round projects

To apply, email Dr. Zhao with your CV and a brief note about what excites you scientifically.

Get in Touch

na.zhao@bcm.edu
Baylor College of Medicine
One Baylor Plaza
Houston, TX 77030