Chris Lau

Dr. Chris Lau is a Professor in the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), with a primary focus on molecular genetics and sex chromosome biology. His research explores the roles of Y chromosome genes, particularly TSPY and its X-homologue TSPX, in oncogenesis and sexual dimorphism.

• Alumni of Harpur College-SUNY (B.A. in Chemistry) and MD Anderson Cancer Center (M.S. in Cell Biology, Ph.D. in Genetics)
• Key research areas include prostate cancer, liver cancer, transgenic mouse models, and sex determination mechanisms

Dr. Lau's work spans over three decades, with significant contributions to understanding how sex chromosomes influence cancer progression and germ cell development. His studies often bridge basic genetics with translational research, particularly in hepatocellular and prostate carcinomas.

Publications show a consistent focus on oncogenesis, sex chromosome biology, and genomic regulation. Key trends include TSPY's role in promoting cancer progression, and TSPX's tumor-suppressive functions, with recent emphasis on immunotherapeutic strategies and single-cell sequencing technologies.

Scientific honors include the VA Research Career Scientist Award and the 2020 Ming K. Jeang Award for Excellence in Cell & Bioscience. He has served as Principal Investigator on numerous NIH, VA, and DoD grants investigating Y chromosome functions in cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Lau leads the Lau Lab at UCSF, which maintains active collaborations with international researchers and contributes to major scientific workshops on Y chromosome mapping. His work continues to shape understanding of sex chromosome biology in both health and disease contexts.