Mushui Dai

Dr. Mushui Dai is a Professor at Oregon Health & Science University, where he leads a research lab focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of tumor suppression (p53 pathway) and oncogenic pathways (c-Myc). His work investigates how ribosomal biogenesis and post-translational modifications (ubiquitination/SUMOylation) regulate these pathways under stress conditions. Current projects explore mechanisms controlling p53 and c-Myc stability, nucleolar dynamics, and cancer cell survival.

• Education: M.D. (1988, Anhui Medical University), M.Sc. (1994, Sun Yat-Sen University School of Medicine), Ph.D. (2005, Oregon Health & Science University).

Research interests include:

• Mechanisms of ribosomal stress responses
• USP36-mediated SUMOylation in cancer
• c-Myc and p53 cross-talk in tumor progression
• Therapeutic targeting of nucleolar factors

Key findings highlight roles of ribosomal proteins in coordinating cell cycle control and stress responses. Recent studies focus on USP36's role in stabilizing nucleolar factors like Snail1 and DGCR8 to promote ribosome biogenesis and cancer survival.

His lab integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomic approaches to dissect these pathways, with implications for developing novel cancer therapies.