Dr. Shi's research focuses on breast cancer with two main areas: 1) chaperoning functions on protection and regulation of HER2/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which lead to malignant progression; and 2) breast cancer prevention by alternation of intramammary estrogen production and signaling by natural derived compounds, e.g., omega-3 fatty acids and lignans.

Getting down to the very basics of biology in cancer, Dr. Shi is interested in synuclein gamma (SNCG), a gene initially identified as a breast cancer specific gene BCSG in Dr. Shi’s lab. SNCG is a tumor specific chaperone and may contribute to malignant transformation by rendering drug resistance, promoting genetic instability, and enhancing metastasis. SNCG is an independent prognostic factor for shorter survival and a high probability of recurrence for breast and colon cancer. Focusing on HER2/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, Dr. Shi and colleagues are trying to figure out the signaling that SNCG is engaged in cancer progression.

Study the benefits of dietary omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids and lignan compounds for the prevention of breast cancer. Dr. Shi is conducting a pilot clinical trial to determine whether a short term dietary intervention with n-3 fatty acids will alter the expression of several estrogen-related surrogate endpoints and histology in high risk postmenopausal women with atypical hyperplasia.