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Lu Q Le

Lu Q Le

Professor, Dermatology

Primary Location
1221 Lee Street, PCC Rm 3512
Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
Primary Phone Number
434.243.0582
Email
[email protected]
Website
https://med.virginia.edu/le-lab/

Bio & Overview

Dr. Le’s research focuses on neural-crest derived tissue development, regeneration and tumorigenesis, in particular the biology of neurofibromatosis. His laboratory investigates how genetic and tumor microenvironmental factors interplay to regulate cancer development, concentrating on: (1) identifying the cells of origin of tumorigenesis, and (2) elucidating the roles of tumor microenvironment in cancer development. His laboratory dissects these cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis from the developmental perspective. They utilize Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a common tumor predisposition human genetic disorder, as a model to address these two fundamental questions of cancer biology. A major contribution of Dr. Le’s laboratory has been the generation of novel neurofibromatosis models that decipher mechanisms initiating Schwann cell tumor development and driving their malignant transformation. It was this work in neurofibromatosis and mechanisms whereby neural-crest derived tissues and nerves can affect tumor development in skin and other tissues that serendipitously lead Dr. Le’s research group to uncover the identity of follicular epithelial cells that give rise to hair and mechanisms that cause hair to turn gray – findings that could one day help identify possible treatments for balding and hair graying.

Academic Information

Department
Dermatology

Primary Education

  • M.D., Medical Scientist Training Program, UCLA School of Medicinenull
  • Ph.D., Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UCLA School of Medicinenull
  • Residency, Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centernull
  • Fellowship, Cancer Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centernull

Other Affiliations

  • MSTP

Research Interests

Cancer Biology, Tumor Cell of Origin and Tumor Microenvironment, Neurofibromatosis and Schwann Cell Biology, Skin and Hair Stem Cell Biology & Regeneration

Research Disciplines

  • Annual Research Fair
  • Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Development, Stem Cells & Regeneration
  • Experimental Pathology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

PhD Programs

  • Cell Biology
  • Experimental Pathology

Selected Publications

2024

Sarin, K. Y., Bradshaw, M., O'Mara, C., Shahryari, J., Kincaid, J., Kempers, S., . . . Le, L. Q. (2024). Effect of NFX-179 MEK inhibitor on cutaneous neurofibromas in persons with neurofibromatosis type 1. SCIENCE ADVANCES, 10(18). doi:10.1126/sciadv.adk4946

Somatilaka, B. N., Madana, L., Sadek, A., Chen, Z., Chandrasekaran, S., McKay, R. M., & Le, L. Q. (2024). STING activation reprograms the microenvironment to sensitize NF1-related malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors for immunotherapy. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, 134(10). doi:10.1172/JCI176748

Furnari, F. B., Anastasaki, C., Bian, S., Fine, H. A., Koga, T., Le, L. Q., . . . Gutmann, D. H. (2024). Stem cell modeling of nervous system tumors. DISEASE MODELS & MECHANISMS, 17(2). doi:10.1242/dmm.050533

2023

Lakes, Y. B., Moye, S. L., Mo, J., Tegtmeyer, M., Nehme, R., Charlton, M., . . . Le, L. Q. (2023). Econazole selectively induces cell death in NF1-homozygous mutant tumor cells. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE, 4(12). doi:10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101309

Attia, S., Guirguis, M., Le, L. Q., & Chhabra, A. (2024). Association of plexiform and diffuse neurofibromas with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in NF I patients: a whole-body MRI assessment. SKELETAL RADIOLOGY, 53(4), 769-777. doi:10.1007/s00256-023-04497-z

Blakeley, J. O., Le, L. Q., Lee, S. Y., Ly, I., Rhodes, S. D., Romo, C. G., . . . Wolkenstein, P. (2023). A Call for Discovery and Therapeutic Development for Cutaneous Neurofibromas. JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY, 143(8), 1351-1357. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2022.11.027

Staedtke, V., Topilko, P., Le, L. Q., Grimes, K., Largaespada, D. A., Cagan, R. L., . . . Serra, E. (2023). Existing and Developing Preclinical Models for Neurofibromatosis Type 1LRelated Cutaneous Neurofibromas. JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY, 143(8), 1378-1387. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2023.01.042

Jiang, C., Mckay, R. M., Lee, S. Y., Romo, C. G., Blakeley, J. O., Haniffa, M., . . . Le, L. Q. (2023). Cutaneous Neurofibroma Heterogeneity: Factors that Influence Tumor Burden in Neurofibromatosis Type 1. JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY, 143(8), 1369-1377. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2022.12.027

Jiang, C., Kumar, A., Yu, Z., Shipman, T., Wang, Y., McKay, R. M., . . . Le, L. Q. (2023). Basement membrane proteins in extracellular matrix characterize NF1 neurofibroma development and response to MEK inhibitor. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, 133(12). doi:10.1172/JCI168227

Rheaume, K., Chen, Z., Wang, Y., Plante, C., Bostanthirige, D. H., Levesdue, M., . . . Brosseau, J. -P. (2023). Whole Central and Peripheral Nervous System Mice Dissection. JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS, (192). doi:10.3791/64974

2022

Anastasaki, C., Mo, J., Chen, J. -K., Chatterjee, J., Pan, Y., Scheaffer, S. M., . . . Gutmann, D. H. (2022). Neuronal hyperexcitability drives central and peripheral nervous system tumor progression in models of neurofibromatosis-1. NATURE COMMUNICATIONS, 13(1). doi:10.1038/s41467-022-30466-6

Somatilaka, B. N., Sadek, A., McKay, R. M., & Le, L. Q. (2022). Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: models, biology, and translation. ONCOGENE, 41(17), 2405-2421. doi:10.1038/s41388-022-02290-1

Haider, S., Le, L. Q., Cho, G., Xi, Y., & Chhabra, A. (2022). Scoliosis in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 on Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Frequency and Association With Intraspinal and Paraspinal Tumors. JOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED TOMOGRAPHY, 46(2), 231-235. doi:10.1097/RCT.0000000000001263

Mo, J., Moye, S. L., McKay, R. M., & Le, L. Q. (2022). Neurofibromin and suppression of tumorigenesis: beyond the GAP. ONCOGENE, 41(9), 1235-1251. doi:10.1038/s41388-021-02156-y

2021

Johnson, J. L., Brown, S. J., Le, L. Q., & Udey, M. C. (2021). The Research Techniques Made Simple Series: Lasting and Future Impact on Investigative Dermatology. JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY, 141(12), 2761-2764. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2021.09.016

Tchegnon, E., Liao, C. -P., Ghotbi, E., Shipman, T., Wang, Y., McKay, R. M., & Le, L. Q. (2021). Epithelial stem cell homeostasis in Meibomian gland development, dysfunction, and dry eye disease. JCI INSIGHT, 6(20). doi:10.1172/jci.insight.151078

Li, S., Yancey, K. B., Cruz, P. D., & Le, L. Q. (2022). Training Physician‒Scientists for Careers in Investigative Dermatology.. JID innovations : skin science from molecules to population health, 2(1), 100061. doi:10.1016/j.xjidi.2021.100061

Bui, A., Jiang, C., McKay, R. M., Klesse, L. J., & Le, L. Q. (2021). Insights into the Pathogenesis of NF1-Associated Neoplasms.. JID innovations : skin science from molecules to population health, 1(3), 100044. doi:10.1016/j.xjidi.2021.100044

Jiang, C., McKay, R. M., & Le, L. Q. (2021). Tumorigenesis in neurofibromatosis type 1: role of the microenvironment. ONCOGENE, 40(39), 5781-5787. doi:10.1038/s41388-021-01979-z

Brosseau, J. -P., Sathe, A. A., Wang, Y., Toan, N., Glass, D. A. I. I., Xing, C., & Le, L. Q. (2021). Human cutaneous neurofibroma matrisome revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS, 9(1). doi:10.1186/s40478-020-01103-4

Mo, J., Anastasaki, C., Chen, Z., Shipman, T., Papke, J., Yin, K., . . . Le, L. Q. (2021). Humanized neurofibroma model from induced pluripotent stem cells delineates tumor pathogenesis and developmental origins. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, 131(1). doi:10.1172/JCI139807

2020

Chen, Z., Li, S., Mo, J., Hawley, E., Wang, Y., He, Y., . . . Le, L. Q. (2020). Schwannoma development is mediated by Hippo pathway dysregulation and modified b RAS/MAPK signaling. JCI INSIGHT, 5(20). doi:10.1172/jci.insight.141514

Li, S., Arvisais-Anhalt, S., Vandergriff, T., & Le, L. Q. (2020). Ashy dermatosis-like hyperpigmentation in a patient taking hydroxyurea.. JAAD case reports, 6(9), 797-800. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2020.06.030

Brosseau, J. -P., Liao, C. -P., & Le, L. Q. (2020). Translating current basic research into future therapies for neurofibromatosis type 1. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER, 123(2), 178-186. doi:10.1038/s41416-020-0903-x

2019

Chamseddin, B. H., & Le, L. Q. (2020). Management of cutaneous neurofibroma: current therapy and future directions. NEURO-ONCOLOGY ADVANCES, 2, i107-i116. doi:10.1093/noajnl/vdz034

Li, S., Chen, Z., & Le, L. Q. (2020). New insights into the neurofibroma tumor cells of origin. NEURO-ONCOLOGY ADVANCES, 2, i13-i22. doi:10.1093/noajnl/vdz044

Brosseau, J. -P., & Le, L. Q. (2019). Heterozygous Tumor Suppressor Microenvironment in Cancer Development. TRENDS IN CANCER, 5(9), 541-546. doi:10.1016/j.trecan.2019.07.004

Chamseddin, B. H., Hernandez, L., Solorzano, D., Vega, J., & Le, L. Q. (2019). Robust surgical approach for cutaneous neurofibroma in neurofibromatosis type 1. JCI INSIGHT, 4(11). doi:10.1172/jci.insight.128881

Cooper, J. M., Patel, A. J., Chen, Z., Liao, C. -P., Chen, K., Mo, J., . . . Le, L. Q. (2019). Overcoming BET Inhibitor Resistance in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors. CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH, 25(11), 3404-3416. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-18-2437

Liao, C. -P., Tchegnon, E., & Le, L. Q. (2019). Double-Stranded RNA Sensing Determines Epithelial Cell Identity. JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY, 139(1), 17-19. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2018.08.008

2018

Mazal, A. T., Ashikyan, O., Cheng, J., Le, L. Q., & Chhabra, A. (2019). Diffusion-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging as adjuncts toconventional MRI for the diagnosis and management of peripheral nerve sheath tumors: current perspectives and future directions. EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY, 29(8), 4123-4132. doi:10.1007/s00330-018-5838-8

Brosseau, J. -P., Liao, C. -P., Wang, Y., Ramani, V., Vandergriff, T., Lee, M., . . . Le, L. Q. (2018). NF1 heterozygosity fosters de novo tumorigenesis but impairs malignant transformation. NATURE COMMUNICATIONS, 9. doi:10.1038/s41467-018-07452-y

Chen, Z., Ma, J., Brosseau, J. -P., Shipman, T., Wang, Y., Liao, C. -P., . . . Le, L. Q. (2019). Spatiotemporal Loss of NF1 in Schwann Cell Lineage Leads to Different Types of Cutaneous Neurofibroma Susceptible to Modification by the Hippo Pathway. CANCER DISCOVERY, 9(1), 114-129. doi:10.1158/2159-8290.CD-18-0151

Blakeley, J. O., Wolkenstein, P., Widemann, B. C., Lee, J., Le, L. Q., Jackson, R., . . . Verma, S. K. (2018). Creating a comprehensive research strategy for cutaneous neurofibromas. NEUROLOGY, 91, S1-S4. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000005789

Brosseau, J. -P., Pichard, D. C., Legius, E. H., Wolkenstein, P., Lavker, R. M., Blakeley, J. O., . . . Le, L. Q. (2018). The biology of cutaneous neurofibromas Consensus recommendations for setting research priorities. NEUROLOGY, 91, S14-S20. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000005788

Liao, C. -P., Booker, R. C., Brosseau, J. -P., Chen, Z., Mo, J., Tchegnon, E., . . . Le, L. Q. (2018). Contributions of inflammation and tumor microenvironment to neurofibroma tumorigenesis. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, 128(7), 2848-2861. doi:10.1172/JCI99424

Allaway, R. J., Gosline, S. J. C., La Rosa, S., Knight, P., Bakker, A., Guinney, J., & Le, L. Q. (2018). Cutaneous neurofibromas in the genomics era: current understanding and open questions. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER, 118(12), 1539-1548. doi:10.1038/s41416-018-0073-2

Fisher, M. J., Belzberg, A. J., de Blank, P., De Raedt, T., Elefteriou, F., Ferner, R. E., . . . Serra, E. (2018). 2016 Children's Tumor Foundation conference on neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, and schwannomatosis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART A, 176(5), 1258-1269. doi:10.1002/ajmg.a.38675

2017

Hinojosa, J. A., Williams, C. L., Vandergriff, T., & Le, L. Q. (2018). Arsenical keratosis secondary to Fowler solution.. JAAD case reports, 4(1), 72-74. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.11.008

Zhang, L., Dessouky, R., Xi, Y., Chhabra, A., & Le, L. Q. (2017). Clinical Value of Multiparametric Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging over Whole-Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type I. WORLD NEUROSURGERY, 108, 729-737. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2017.09.066

Anastasaki, C., Le, L. Q., Kesterson, R. A., & Gutmann, D. H. (2017). UPDATED NOMENCLATURE FOR HUMAN AND MOUSE NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 1 GENES. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS, 3(4). doi:10.1212/NXG.0000000000000169

Liao, C. -P., Booker, R. C., Morrison, S. J., & Le, L. Q. (2017). Identification of hair shaft progenitors that create a niche for hair pigmentation. GENES & DEVELOPMENT, 31(8), 744-756. doi:10.1101/gad.298703.117

2016

Heffler, M. A., Le, L. Q., Xi, Y., & Chhabra, A. (2017). Tumor segmentation of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in neurofibromatosis type 1 patients: tumor burden correlates. SKELETAL RADIOLOGY, 46(1), 93-99. doi:10.1007/s00256-016-2522-4

Malviya, N., Marzuka, A., Maamed-Tayeb, M., Le, L., & Vandergriff, T. (2016). Cutaneous involvement of pre-existing Rosai-Dorfman disease via post-herpetic isotopic response. JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, 43(12), 1211-1214. doi:10.1111/cup.12818

LE, L. Q., Kesterson, R. A., & Gutmann, D. H. (2016). Defining the Research Landscape for Dermal Neurofibromas.. Oncology times, 38(18), 14-15. doi:10.1097/01.cot.0000502634.14826.10

Liao, C. -P., Pradhan, S., Chen, Z., Patel, A. J., Booker, R. C., & Le, L. Q. (2016). The role of nerve microenvironment for neurofibroma development. ONCOTARGET, 7(38), 61500-61508. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.11133

2014

Chen, Z., Liu, C., Patel, A. J., Liao, C. -P., Wang, Y., & Le, L. Q. (2014). Cells of Origin in the Embryonic Nerve Roots for NF1-Associated Plexiform Neurofibroma. CANCER CELL, 26(5), 695-706. doi:10.1016/j.ccell.2014.09.009

2013

Patel, A. J., Liao, C. -P., Chen, Z., Liu, C., Wang, Y., & Le, L. Q. (2014). BET Bromodomain Inhibition Triggers Apoptosis of NF1-Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors through Bim Induction. CELL REPORTS, 6(1), 81-92. doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2013.12.001

Chau, V., Lim, S. K., Mo, W., Liu, C., Patel, A. J., McKay, R. M., . . . Le, L. Q. (2014). Preclinical Therapeutic Efficacy of a Novel Pharmacologic Inducer of Apoptosis in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors. CANCER RESEARCH, 74(2), 586-597. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-13-1934

Mo, W., Chen, J., Patel, A., Zhang, L., Chau, V., Li, Y., . . . Parada, L. F. (2013). CXCR4/CXCL12 Mediate Autocrine Cell- Cycle Progression in NF1-Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors. CELL, 152(5), 1077-1090. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2013.01.053

2012

Hoang, M. T., Carroll, B. T., & Le, L. Q. (2013). Recurrent perianal red plaque with superficial erosions and pustular exudate in a 16-month-old boy Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, 38(2), 203-204. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04283.x

Chen, Z., Pradhan, S., Liu, C., & Le, L. Q. (2012). Skin-derived Precursors as a Source of Progenitors for Cutaneous Nerve Regeneration. STEM CELLS, 30(10), 2261-2270. doi:10.1002/stem.1186

Hoang, M. T., Mock, J. R., Hoang, M. P., Cohen, J. B., & Le, L. Q. (2013). An exophytic, bleeding nodule on the left malar region Sebaceous carcinoma (SC). CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, 38(2), 217-218. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2012.04400.x

2011

Le, L. Q., Liu, C., Shipman, T., Chen, Z., Suter, U., & Parada, L. F. (2011). Susceptible Stages in Schwann Cells for NF1-Associated Plexiform Neurofibroma Development. CANCER RESEARCH, 71(13), 4686-4695. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-10-4577

2010

Brown, R. M., Klesse, L. J., & Le, L. Q. (2010). Cutaneous Features Predict Paraspinal Neurofibromas in Neurofibromatosis Type 1. JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY, 130(9), 2167-2169. doi:10.1038/jid.2010.206