Mi Dai

Mi Dai is a Research Professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich School, affiliated with the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Their research focuses on pediatric brain tumors, particularly ependymoma and medulloblastoma, integrating molecular biology, genomics, and pharmacology to identify therapeutic targets and understand tumor biology. Recent work emphasizes drug screening, 3D genome architecture, and metabolic pathways in cancer progression.

Research interests include neuro-oncology, molecular mechanisms of tumor initiation, and developing novel treatment strategies. Key areas involve studying genetic and epigenetic drivers, such as ZIC1 and ZFTA fusion proteins, and leveraging patient-derived models to assess drug vulnerabilities. Collaborative efforts explore metabolic regulation in tumors and mitochondrial energetics to combat therapy resistance.

Publications highlight contributions to understanding tumor heterogeneity, chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., 1q gain in ependymoma), and the role of developmental pathways in cancer. Work also extends to noncoding genetic variants in glioma formation and the application of 3D genome mapping to identify subgroup-specific biomarkers.

No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials. Advising and grant activities are not detailed here, though the research portfolio suggests active engagement in translational oncology. The Department of Physics & Astronomy provides institutional support for interdisciplinary cancer research initiatives.