Kai Fu, M.D.,Ph.D.
Phone: 402.559.7526
Email:
kfu@unmc.edu
Interests:
Hematopathology
Research:
My research involves several aspects of hematopathology, with special emphasis on pathogenesis of malignant
lymphomas. MCL is a vexing and not infrequent problem for the hematologist/oncologist. As a B-cell lymphoma,
MCL brings together the worst characteristics of both high-grade and low-grade lymphomas: the course is
usually aggressive and the disease is rarely curable. The resistance of MCL to current chemotherapy regimens
indicates that new therapeutic approaches to MCL are clearly needed. A recent study suggested that aberrant
NF-?B activation in MCL plays a key role in tumor cell proliferation and survival. In collaboration with Drs.
Wing C. Chan and Timothy McKeithan, we are screening MCL cell lines by using a genome-wide siRNA library in
order to identify key components, which are required for aberrant NF-?B activation, cell proliferation and
survival in MCL cells. The specific targets thus identified will not only elucidate the pathogenetic
mechanisms, but will also allow the development of new therapeutic approaches for this incurable disease.
Our long-term goal is to translate our in vitro findings into therapeutic interventions for MCL.
Education and Training
Pre-Med.: Nan Kai University, Tianjin, China, 1982-1985
M.D.: Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China, 1985-1990
Ph.D.: University of Kansas School of Medicine, 1992-1997
Pathology Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1998-2001
Surgical Pathology Fellowship: University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2001-2002
Hematopathology Fellowship: University of Nebraska Medical Center 2002-2004
Board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, 2002
