Cancer Biology
Cancer Biology Programme
Our cancer biology program focusses on advancing the understanding of carcinogenesis and cancer progression, with the aim of translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications. The programme encompasses three main themes:
- Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Molecular Therapeutic Targets: investigating the functional roles of specific biological markers and evaluating their utility as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
- RNA Editing and Cancer Development: exploring alterations in the cancer transcriptome and their implications for cancer initiation and progression.
- Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis: elucidating signaling pathways involved in oncogenesis, particularly JAK/Stat pathway.
Our interdisciplinary research approaches include molecular genetics, genomics, cell biology, chemistry, proteomics, computational biology, and imaging modalities. We actively collaborate from with:
- Cancer Science Institute
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratories
- National University Hospital
- Singapore General Hospital
- Nanyang Technological University
- Hong Kong University
- RIKEN Institute (Japan)
- Imperial College (United Kingdom)
- Münster University Hospital (Germany)
- New York University (United States)
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (United States)
- Baylor University Medical Center (United States)
NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR)
N2CR, established in 2020 as one of ten Translational Research Programmes under the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, is the largest of these initiatives, bringing together more than 100 faculty members across basic, translational, and clinical sciences. United by a shared vision to advance cancer research and improve patient outcomes, N2CR fosters close collaborations with the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI), the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), and the National University Health System (NUHS).
N2CR is entering a new phase of transformation guided by two cross‑cutting research themes:
- SCOUT (Screening and Carcinogenesis: Origins in Unique Tissues) – advancing early detection & understanding of multi-tissue carcinogenesis.
- COMPASS (Customised Oncology through Molecular Profiling and Strategic Selection) – driving precision oncology through molecular profiling and tailored therapies.
These programmes catalyse translational research, spark interdisciplinary collaborations, and address the unique challenges of Asian cancers. N2CR also supports seed funding, thematic seminars, and clinician‑scientist training, while nurturing the next generation of cancer researchers through its PhD programme and partnerships with the NUS Clinician Scientist Development Unit and Clinician Scientist Academy.
As Singapore faces an increasing cancer burden, N2CR is committed to bridging research, education, and public engagement — strengthening its impact nationally and positioning Singapore as a global leader in cancer discovery and innovation.
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N2CR Members from Department of Anatomy:
A/Prof YIP Wai Cheong, George (Profile...)
A/Prof CHEN Lei Lei, Polly (Profile...)
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