Modeling Stem Cell Fate Decisions Using Human Lung Organoids
Peng He, Professor
UC San Francisco
Applications for Fall 2025 are closed for this project.
This project centers on the use of human lung organoids—three-dimensional miniature tissue models derived from stem cells—to study how stem cells make fate decisions. In particular, it investigates how stem cells commit to the neuroendocrine lineage, a process with direct relevance to understanding the development of neuroendocrine cancers such as small cell lung cancer. Organoids provide a powerful in vitro system that closely mimics human lung development and disease, enabling functional and mechanistic studies of cell differentiation in a controlled environment. The project aims to uncover how stem cells interpret internal and external signals to adopt specific fates and how dysregulation of this process may contribute to tumorigenesis.
Role: Subprojects:
Culture and maintain lung organoids
Perform experiments to induce neuroendocrine differentiation
Conduct assays such as immunostaining, microscopy, and RNA extraction
(Optional) Design and 3D print lab tools to support organoid workflows
Qualifications: Enthusiasm for wet lab research; regular in-person attendance (≥1x/week) required; 3D printing experience is a plus but optional
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Yuefei Zhu, Post-Doc
Hours: to be negotiated
Related website: https://profiles.ucsf.edu/peng.he
Related website: https://profiles.ucsf.edu/peng.he