We are interested in the structural and mechanistic basis of developmental signaling that are important in stem cell biology, cancer metastasis, and regenerative medicine. At structural levels, we want to understand: how developmental signaling molecules are regulated by extracellular micro-environment, how these molecules are recognized by cell surface receptors, and how these molecules are engaged with intracellular signaling cascades through lipid bilayer. At functional levels, we focus on understanding how ligand isoforms are distinguished by their targeted cells to generate distinct cellular outcomes, and how developmental signaling is involved in stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Eventually, we want to explore potentials in therapeutic development against cancer and other human diseases.