Current Research Description

Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Addictive glycolysis and exacerbated lipogenesis provide the advantage for tumor malignant growth. Recently, glutamine metabolism has also been revealed to contribute carbon for TCA cycle and lipid synthesis. However, how cancer cells balance energy production and macromolecular synthesis through orchestrating glucose, glutamine and lipid metabolism remains unclear.

Our research interests focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, and unraveling the molecular link between oncogenic signaling and cancer metabolism. We are screening small molecular compounds to target key players in the regulation of cancer metabolism, and further facilitate these drugs into clinical trials.

The lab's current research interests:

• Investigate the molecular link between oncogenic signaling PI3K/Akt and Ras/MEK/ERK signaling with cancer metabolism.
• Develop the strategy via targeting SREBP-1 to treat cancer.
• Dissect cholesterol metabolism, trafficking and its intersection with oncogenic signaling.
• Delineate the relationship between autophagy and cancer metabolism.
• Define the role of lipid droplet and its dynamic regulation in cancer and reveal its relationship with autophagy and cancer metabolism.