The lab of Vascular Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
Research Field
Welcome to the Vascular Pharmacology and Innovative Drug Discovery Laboratory at Taipei Medical University. I am Shiu-Wen Huang, an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology. My academic journey began with a B.S. in Pharmacy from Kaohsiung Medical University, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. from National Taiwan University. Before transitioning into full-time academia and research, I served for nearly a decade as a clinical pharmacist at National Taiwan University Hospital, an experience that deeply informs my commitment to translational medicine. My research program is dedicated to bridging the gap between basic molecular science and clinical therapy. Our laboratory is particularly interested in the complex mechanisms of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis. We specialize in identifying how novel natural compounds can be leveraged to treat significant clinical challenges, such as restenosis following coronary interventions and tumor metastasis.
Our laboratory, located within the Department of Pharmacology at Taipei Medical University, is dedicated to the discovery and characterization of novel therapeutic agents derived from natural products for cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Our research bridges clinical pharmacy and molecular pharmacology to address critical gaps in current medical treatments
We investigate novel benzimidazole derivatives, such as nstpbp5185, which act as dual antagonists of the PDGF and TXA2 signaling axes. This project focuses on how these compounds prevent restenosis after vascular injury by suppressing the redox-sensitive PDGFRβ axis and reducing oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells. Our team also explores the therapeutic potential of natural plant-derived compounds in inhibiting the formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels. Interns will study how these agents modulate VEGFR-2 or VEGFR-3 signaling to suppress tumor growth and prevent metastasis, providing a foundation for next-generation cancer therapies.
Invited Speaker, The 38th Symposium on Natural Products: Recognized as a featured expert by The Natural Medicine Society of Taiwan, presenting cutting-edge research to the leading scholars in the field of natural medicine.
National Research Funding: Recipient of multiple prestigious grants from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) for her work on natural products and vascular pharmacology.
My academic journey began with a B.S. in Pharmacy from Kaohsiung Medical University, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. from the Graduate Institute of Pharmacology at National Taiwan University. Before transitioning into full-time academia and research, I served for nearly a decade as a clinical pharmacist at National Taiwan University Hospital, an experience that deeply informs my commitment to translational medicine.
Job Description
Interns will be integrated into the research pillars:
Vascular Pharmacology: Examining the impact of natural compounds on VEGF-induced Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis, key drivers of tumor metastasis and inflammatory edema.
In Vivo Pharmacology: Validating therapeutic candidates in rigorous animal models, including sprouting assay, matrigel-angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis models
Preferred Intern Educational Level
We welcome applications from advanced Undergraduate (Year 3 or 4), Master’s, and Ph.D. students in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, or related Life Sciences. Candidates should have a foundational understanding of molecular biology. We specifically seek students who are motivated to transition from basic science into vascular Pharmacology and translational oncology
Skill sets or Qualities
We aren't looking for experts, but rather for students with a solid foundation who are ready to be trained in specialized techniques such as the angiogenesis models and protein analysis. In our lab, your attitude matters more than your resume; we value curiosity, proactivity, and a "can-do" spirit in navigating a new international research environment. If you know how to use a pipette and follow a protocol, we can teach you the rest!