Song Han, MD, PhD

Assistant professor, division of general surgery

Education

  • Master of science degree: Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
  • Medical degree: Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
  • Doctorate degree: Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
  • Internal medicine internship: Shanghai Ruijing Hospital, Shanghai, China

Research

  1. Cancer Research. Current project focuses on the roles of microRNAs in tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Successfully established a TAS cell bank consisting of more than 50 primary TAS cell lines from human pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissue specimen, and microRNA expression profiles for in vitro pancreatic cancer cells and TAS cells.   Previous projects includes studies of: (1) inter-cellular signaling network between cancer cell and tumor-associated stromal (TAS) cell communication in pancreatic cancer, in particular, the role of cytokine CXCL10 in pancreatic cancer chemoresistance; (2) characteristics of cancer stem cell properties of human esophageal adenocarcinoma, (3) the role of PAR-2 (Protease-activated Receptor-2) in Barrett’s esophagus tumorogenesis and the potential therapeutic value of PAR-2 inhibitors.
  2. Biology in Dermatology. As a Principal Investigator, conducted and performed the project of Notch receptors in skin homeostasis, as well as its pathogenetic process in psoriatic lesional skin. Major finding concluded that the coordinated effect between Notch receptors Notch 3 and Notch 1 plays an important role in epidermal homeostasis with Notch 3 regulating keratinocytes proliferation and Notch 1 functioning as a regulator for differentiation.
  3. Research in Medical Genetics. Established a new high-throughput mutation detection technology (dHPLC) for screening DNA mutations in the complete NF1 gene. Research project led to define the complex multi-step process of neurofibromotasis type 1 (NF1) tumorigenesis by studying gene instability and somatic mutational spectrum on NF1- associated tumours, including neurofibroma and malignant nerve sheath tumours. Extensive experience in gene mutation analysis. Major contributions in the development of NF1 gene mutation screening included designing strategy and establishing protocols. This technique was further applied to clinical service lab for routine examination.
  4. Research in Microbiology. (1) Isolation and culture of virus from fecal samples from chronic fatigue syndrome patients had led to reveal of a new strain of Enteroviruses with sequence highly homogenous to Coxsackie A virus. (2) Sequencing and cloning of complete HCMV genome. (3) Development of immunological assay for detection of HIV, HBV and HCV infection.
  5. Development of Immunological Assay. Research and development of two immunological detection kits: anti-AFP ELISA detection kit and anti-myoglobin fast bedside kit (Dot ImmunoGold Filtration assay). Both kits were commercialized and applied to clinical diagnosis.