Lab Interests:
The Woo laboratory focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms that determine pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Our research interests include elucidating mechanisms of islet apoptosis and survival in physiological and diabetic states by investigating fundamental genes, including putative tumour suppressors and oncogenes. Using genetically engineered mice, we define physiological roles of fundamental genes in specific tissues. We also study the role of insulin resistance in cancer and cardiovascular diseases. These approaches to clarify tissue-specific molecular mechanisms have wide implications for better understanding and treatment of diabetes as well its relationship to cancer and cardiovascular disease.