Ruoyan Li Laboratory
Ruoyan Li, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
- Departments, Labs and Institutes
- Labs
- Ruoyan Li Laboratory
Research Areas
- Cancer Genomics
- Genetics
- Single-Cell Genomics
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Tumor Heterogeneity
Our research focuses on understanding how cancer initiates from early normal cells and evolves into complex clonal architectures and multicellular ecosystems. We seek to address this question by applying and developing cutting-edge genomics, single-cell multiomics and spatial genomics technologies. The overarching goal is to use the new knowledge from our research to facilitate the development of strategies for the prevention, detection and interception of cancer before it progresses to an intractable stage.
Current research directions
- Studying somatic mutations in normal and premalignant tissues and their impact on cancer development
- Understanding premalignant progression and mutant clonal evolution
- Resolving the microenvironment of premalignancy and cancer in space and time
Select publications
Somatic mutagenesis in normal human tissues:
- Li R*, Lin D*, Jie L*, Wen F* et al. . Nature. 2021 Sept;597(7876):398-403.
- Highlighted by News & Views: Naxerova K. . Nature. 2021 Sept;597(7876):334-336.
- Li R*, Du Y*, Chen Z*, Xu D*, Lin T* et al. . Science. 2020 Oct 2;370(6512):82-89.
- Highlighted by Perspective: Rozen SG. . Science. 2020 Oct 2;370(6512):34-35.
Single-cell and spatial mapping of tumor microenvironments:
- Li R*,#, Strobl J*, Poyner EFM*, Balbaa A* et al. . Nature Immunology. 2024 Nov 18; 25:2320-2330.
- Li R, Ferdinand JR, Loudon KW, Bowyer GS et al. . Cancer Cell. 2022 Dec 12;40(12):1583-1599.
- Jin S*, Li R*, Chen M*, Yu C*, Tang L* et al. . Cell Research. 2020 Nov;30(11):950-965.
Intra-tumor heterogeneity and tumor clonal evolution:
- Xue R*, Li R*, Guo H*, Guo L* et al. . Gastroenterology. 2016 Apr;150(4):998-1008.
- Highlighted by Editorial: Birkbak NJ, Andersen JB. . Gastroenterology. 2016 Apr;150(4):818-821.
- Du Y*, Li R*, Chen Z*, Wang X, Xu T, Bai F. . European Urology. 2018 May;71(5):841¨C843.
- Li R*, Li X*, Xue R*, Yang F* et al. . Thorax. 2018 Mar;73(3):290-292.
* indicates co-first author; # indicates co-corresponding author
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