Cui Lab

Zhibin Cui, DDS, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Oral Biology. His research focus is in the following areas: head and neck/oral cancer genetic and immunological research (gene expression; gene therapy; cancer treatment and prevention; genome-wide screening; immunology; molecular and cellular biology; molecular genetics; oral biology; translational research; genetics; genomics; head and neck oncology; immunotherapy; oral/maxillofacial surgery).

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibits significant genetic heterogeneity, characterized by a wide range of gene mutations and copy number variations. This heterogeneity leads to varying response rates to available treatments, including chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, resulting in poor five-year survival rates for patients with advanced disease. The Cui Lab is focused on elucidating the roles of frequently mutated genes in cancer development, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and their contributions to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

We aim to identify novel treatment strategies for HNSCC associated with these mutations. To achieve our objectives, we utilize high-throughput CRISPRi screening technology, next-generation sequencing, tissue engineering, preclinical mouse tumor models, and transgenic mutation knock-in models, in conjunction with analyses of clinical patient samples.

Our ultimate goal is to develop novel targeted therapeutic approaches that effectively address the challenges of treating advanced HNSCC that is resistant to conventional therapies.

Learn more about the Cui Lab.

• Savallya Boyini, BS, technician
• Yash Darshan Shah, DDS, master’s student
• Khandoher Ifaz Ahmed, research scholar
• Huiyang Wu, DDS, research scholar
• Xue Xiong, PhD, postdoctoral associate

1. Immunotherapy and cancer cell-death mechanisms.
2. Roles of high-frequency genetic mutations in malignant transformation of the oral epithelium.
3. Evolutionary interactions between head and neck cancer and the tumor microenvironment.
4. Identification of novel therapeutic targets for treating genetically defined subsets of head and neck cancer.

Location: 660 Biomedical Research Building, Buffalo, NY 14214
Laboratory Phone Number: 716-829-3056