Institute Characteristics

The educational goal of our institute is to cultivate students with professional knowledge and technology related to molecular medicine, train students to have a rigorous research attitude and independent thinking ability, and train research professionals in molecular medicine and its related fields. The research characteristics of our institute can be divided into four aspects:

Research in Cancer Biology

The NCKU Hospital currently has research groups for nasopharyngeal cancer, oral cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Our teachers have joined these research groups to evaluate human drug sensitivity, and are engaged in research on anti-cancer drugs and cancer treatments. In addition, studying the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis, cell apoptosis and tumor occurrence and metastasis is also an important topic of our tumor research.

Research in Genetics and Developmental Biology

Congenital and acquired mutations lead to gene dysregulation or protein function changes. In addition to genetic diseases, an increasing number of human diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer also have genetic mutations. Therefore, using modern molecular/cytogenetics theories and techniques, our teachers have been engaged in the research of genetic and developmental diseases, including depression, the development, injury, and degeneration of nerve cells, and the treatment of diseases by stem cells. They are also engaged in the research on cancer prevention for epigenetic and genetic inheritance.

Research in Infectious Diseases

Due to geographical, cultural, and other unidentified factors, the incidence and tolerance of certain infectious diseases in southern Taiwan are different from those in other regions. Our institute joins a research group of experts from the university and the National Institutes of Health to discuss and study the pathogenic mechanism of cystitis bacteria and HIV, HCV, Influenza viruses, and other viruses on the host, while developing new detection methods, therapeutic drugs, and vaccines.

Research in Aging

Aging is a critical determinant of health and is closely linked to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndromes, and microbial infections. As human lifespan increases, aging-related diseases have surfaced as a major global public health challenge. We are dedicated to investigating the impacts of aging on genome stability, epigenetics, metabolism, and immune function. Through multi-omics analysis, cell reprogramming, targeted therapies, and immune modulation strategies, we strive to identify aging-related biomarkers and therapeutic targets to mitigate aging, prevent disease, and enhance healthy lifespan.