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Molecular & Integrative Physiology
Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology  :  Faculty  :   Benyi Li, M.D., Ph.D.

Benyi Li, M.D., Ph.D.

Benyi Li, M.D., Ph.D. Tongji Medical University of China, MD, 1992
Fukui Medical University of Japan, PhD, 1997

KUMC Urology Research Laboratory
1042 Lied Biomedical Research Facility
Mail Stop 1053
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City, KS 66160
Phone: (913) 588-4773
Fax: (913) 588-7625
bli@kumc.edu

Research Interests

The critical issue for curing prostate cancer patient is to overcome the androgen-independent progression of prostate cancer cells. Now, we are focusing on this topic using advanced technologies including genomics, molecular biology and novel animal model. The ultimate goal of the laboratory is to uncover the mechanisms responsible for cancer development and progression at a molecular level, and subsequently to develop a novel therapeutic approach for treatment. The current research directions are

  1. Determination of the molecular mechanisms involved in androgen-independent progression of human prostate cancer
  2. Identification of the exact role of individual MMP in cancer metastasis; and
  3. Development of novel therapeutic approaches at a molecular level for prostate cancer therapy.

Academic Position(s):

Assistant Professor and Director
Basic Science Laboratory
Department of Urology
University of Kansas Medical Center

Assistant Professor
Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology
University of Kansas Medical Center (joint appointment)

KUMC Center/Institute Affiliation(s):

Member, Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute
Member, Center for Reproductive Sciences

Recent Publications

Liao X, Tang S, Griebling T, Thrasher JB, and Benyi Li. siRNA-mediated androgen receptor silencing leads to Bcl-xL down-regulation and apoptosis in prostate cancer.
Mol Cancer Therapeutics, 2005 in press. (as corresponding author)

Liao X, Thrasher JB, Holzbeierlien J, Scott S, and Benyi Li. GSK-3 b activity is required for androgen-stimulated gene expression. Endocrinology, 145:2941-2949, 2004. (as corresponding author)

Liao X, Thrasher JB, Pelling J, Sang QX, Holzbeierlien J and Benyi Li. Androgen stimulates MMP2 expression in human prostate cancer. Endocrinology, 2003; 144:1656-1663.

Liao X, Zhang L, Du J, Thrasher JB and Benyi Li. GSK-3 suppression eliminates TRAIL resistance in prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Therapeutics, 2003; 2:1215-1222. (as corresponding author)

Benyi Li, Desai, S.A., MacCorkle-Chosnek, R.A., Fan, L. and Spencer, D.M. A novel conditional Akt 'survival switch' reversibly protects cells from apoptosis. Gene Ther 2002; 9(4):233-244.

Benyi Li and QP Dou. Bax degradation by the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway: involvement in tumor survival and progression. Proceedings of National Academy Society of USA. 2000; 97:3850-3855.

Website: http://www.kumc.edu/urologyresearch