Zhishan Wang, MD, PhD

Zhishan Wang, MD, PhD

Professor of Research

Department of Pathology

Stony Brook Cancer Center

MART 7M-0836

631-216-2703

Research Interest: Environmental carcinogenesis, Cancer biology and Cancer therapy.

Research Summary: Metal carcinogen exposure through ingestion or inhalation causes lung cancer, the underlying mechanism has not been well understood. The research in my laboratory investigates the mechanism of lung cancer resulting from exposure to carcinogenic metals alone or in combination with other chemical carcinogens using cell culture and genetically modified mouse models. We perform mechanistic studies in following three areas: (1) investigate the epigenetic regulation of metal carcinogen exposure-induced cancer stem cell (CSC)-like property; (2) characterize the microenvironment of lung tumors resulting from metal carcinogen exposure. Intact immune surveillance is critical to prevent cancer development and progression. We study the mechanism of how metal carcinogen exposure-caused epigenetic changes reshape tumor microenvironment, specifically immune cell reprograming, therefore, to reduce immune surveillance and promote carcinogenesis; and (3) determine metal carcinogen exposure-caused microbiota change and its role in carcinogenesis. Better understanding of the mechanism of carcinogenesis will allow us to develop mechanism-based strategies to efficiently prevent and treat cancer.

Graduate student positions are available to study the mechanism of carcinogenesis.

Education Degree Year (s)

Bachelor of Medicine MD 1986

Master of Environmental Health MS 1989

Environmental Microbiology, Tongji China

Institution and Location PhD 1998

Environmental Health/ Molecular Biology,

Tongji Medical University, Beijing China

MD Certification, USA Educational Commission

For Foreign Medical Graduates MD 2007

Residency and Fellowship Training

1999-2000 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Genetics, Emory

2000-2001 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham

2002-2003 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Jefferson Health System, Wynnewood, PA

Current and Previous Appointments

2003-2007 Research Specialist, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

2007-2015 Research Associate, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University

2015-2016 Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University

2016-2021 Assistant Professor, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky

2021-2022 Associate Professor, Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH