Han Laboratory
Mingqi Han, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
- Departments, Labs and Institutes
- Labs
- Han Laboratory
Areas of Research
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cancer Metabolism
- Imaging
- Immunology
- Lung Cancer
- Metabolomics
- Mitochondria
- Tumor Microenvironment
Welcome to the Han Lab for Quantitative Imaging and Cancer Metabolism at MD Anderson! We study how dynamic organelle crosstalk¡ªamong mitochondria, lipid droplets, endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes¡ªreshapes metabolism in solid tumors. By integrating multi-scale imaging (PET/CT, microCT, confocal and 3D electron microscopy), temporal imaging (longitudinal intravital and PET/CT), stable isotope tracing and AI-assisted image analysis, we aim to uncover key metabolic vulnerabilities across diverse tumor architectures. Our goal is to understand the fundamental mechanisms of intra- and intercellular compartmentalized communication and to translate these insights into novel, organelle-informed therapeutic strategies.
Meet the Team
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor, Cancer Systems Imaging
CPRIT Scholar of Cancer Research
I received my Ph.D. in medicine from the University of Sydney and the Children¡¯s Medical Research Institute, mentored by Dr. Roger Reddel. My graduate research focused on using cytolytic viruses to target tumor-intrinsic immune vulnerabilities. I then moved to Los Angeles for postdoctoral training at UCLA, where I developed a strong interest in biomedical imaging and machine learning, especially as they relate to tumor metabolism and inter-organelle communication. In July 2025, I joined the department of Cancer Systems Imaging at MD Anderson as an Assistant Professor and CPRIT Scholar. My lab develops innovative, imaging-driven strategies to understand and target metabolic vulnerabilities in lung cancer. Outside of work, I enjoy murder-mystery movies, hot yoga, Pilates and deciphering the ¡°secret¡± recipes from my favorite restaurants.
Zhen Zhou, M.D.
Senior Research Scientist
I received my M.D. from Wuhan University, where I also completed clinical training in cardiovascular surgery. I then continued with postdoctoral and early career research in the department of Internal Medicine at UTHealth Houston. Driven by a strong interest in tumor metabolism, I joined the Han Laboratory in September 2025. My current work focuses on how mitochondrial structure, function and mitochondria-centered organelle interactions are altered in lung cancer, with the aim of identifying novel molecular targets and developing advanced imaging technologies to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment and assessment of prognosis. Outside of research, I enjoy reading, cooking and spending time in nature with family and friends. I am also an enthusiastic table tennis player.