About Us

The Mian Lab is exploring the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying lethal cancers of the genitourinary tract with the goal of translating discovery into novel therapies. Our approach couples translational research to clinical investigation in GU malignancies at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute. We are developing powerful tools for identifying predictive and prognostic biomarkers as well as for therapeutic target discovery.

Our mission is to reduce the burden of prostate and bladder cancer through fundamental discovery and to improve the lives of cancer patients.

Omar Mian
Omar Mian
Associate Staff
Location:NE6-257
miano@ccf.org

Dr. Mian is a radiation oncologist and physician scientist at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute. His research interests center around the genetics and epigenetics of bladder and prostate cancer.

Aysegul Balyimez
Aysegul Balyimez
Staff Scientist
balyima@ccf.org

Aysegul is a senior post-doctoral scientist and laboratory director. Her current research focuses on the role of epigenetic reader proteins and co-repressor complexes in the initiation and progression of solid tumors.


Adam Delong
Adam Delong
Medical Student
delonga@ccf.org

Adam is a talented medical student at CWRU SOM interested in childhood malignancies spending his research time in the lab studying the function of histone mutations in aggressive pediatric brain tumors (e.g., DIPG).

Shinjini Ganguly
Shinjini Ganguly
Postdoctoral Fellow
ganguls@ccf.org

Shinjini studies genetic and epigenetic mechanisms through which androgen receptor signaling influences DNA damage response and the resulting effects on therapeutic resistance in prostate cancer.

Zaeem Lone
Zaeem Lone
Medical Student
lonez@ccf.org
Andrew Muskara
Andrew Muskara
Research Technician
muskara2@ccf.org

Andrew is a recent graduate of Ohio State University and, in addition to supporting various other projects, he is studying the role of circulating biomarkers in cell free DNA in patient risk stratification for a variety of cancers.

Nikki Patel
Nikki Patel
Undergraduate Student
pateln14@ccf.org

Nikki is student at Ohio State University who is spending her summer research rotations studying the function of co-repressor complexes in radiation response.

Sarah Sittenfeld
Sarah Sittenfeld
Radiation Oncology Resident
sittens@ccf.org

Sarah is an oncology resident physician at Cleveland Clinic currently involved in clinical and basic research projects in our lab.

Martin Tom
Martin Tom
Radiation Oncology Resident
tomm2@ccf.org

We are exploring the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying lethal cancers of the genitourinary tract with the goal of translating discovery in to novel therapies. Our approach couples translational research to clinical investigation in GU malignancies at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute. We are developing powerful tools for identifying predictive and prognostic biomarkers as well as for therapeutic target discovery. The mission of our lab is to reduce the burden of prostate and bladder cancer through fundamental discovery and to improve the lives of cancer patients.


View Publications on PubMed


Selected Publications (2015-2020)


03/24/2020 |  

Department of Defense Awards $2.4M for Bladder Cancer Immunotherapy Research

Cleveland Clinic is one of the highest volume centers of excellence for bladder cancer research and care in the nation. With a new $2.4 million Translational Team Science Award from the Department of Defense (DoD), physician-scientist and project lead Omar Mian, MD, PhD—as well as partnering investigators Shilpa Gupta, MD, and Tae Hyun Hwang, PhD, and a team of talented collaborators—look to not only bolster Cleveland Clinic’s bladder cancer program, but also its rapidly expanding portfolio of immuno-oncology research.



Postdoctoral Research Fellow

A Postdoctoral fellow position is available immediately in the Mian Laboratory, in the Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research (THOR) at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute in Cleveland, OH.  
An fully funded position awaits a fellow looking to pursue a dynamic career in translational biomedical research! Our lab at the Cleveland Clinic studies epigenetic, metabolic, and endocrine determinants of response to DNA damage in a variety of cancers. The work involves characterization of innovative preclinical models using genome editing and molecular analysis methods. Clinical samples are readily available for validation studies. The position offers excellent opportunities for publication, career development and advancement. Candidates will join a stimulating academic environment within the Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center of the Lerner Research Institute. 
Highly motivated individuals with a strong background and interest in translational cancer research are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be recent Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. graduates in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology, molecular genetics, developmental biology or related fields. Prior experience in culture of human primary and cancer cell lines, molecular biology, as well as a track record of peer-reviewed publications is required. Individuals with additional experience in genome editing, mouse work or bioinformatics, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants should send a CV, a cover letter/statement that describes career goals, and 3 references to Dr. Omar Mian (miano@ccf.org).