I conduct translational cancer research aimed at improving clinical outcomes, focusing on elucidating the mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis. My studies investigate the aberrant expression and subcellular localization of tight junction proteins, particularly claudins, in gastrointestinal cancers, emphasizing their functional relevance and therapeutic potential in pancreatic cancer. I have also explored intercellular communication via exosomes, identifying a Claudin-7–dependent mechanism by which cancer-derived exosomes modulate the phenotype of non-metastatic tumor cells. Moving forward, I aim to develop clinically relevant research directly linked to improving prognosis of patients with cancer.