Our Research

Signaling control of metabolic networks in cell growth and cancer

The large-scale biosynthetic programs that underlie cell growth and proliferation are strongly influenced by signaling pathways that activate metabolic networks in response to growth-promoting cues. In the Valvezan Lab, we are defining the exact nature and extent of metabolic control by specific signaling pathways, along with the underlying molecular mechanisms that link signaling to metabolism.

Identifying and exploiting metabolic vulnerabilities in tumors

Metabolic reprogramming is a ubiquitous hallmark of cancer cells, induced by mutations that uncouple growth-promoting signaling and metabolic outputs from their normal regulatory inputs. Although this provides a growth advantage, locking pathways in the “on” state can come at the cost of reduced plasticity and increased dependence on specific nutrients, enzymes, or pathways for sustained growth and viability. Thus, the uniquely reprogrammed metabolic networks in cancer cells offer opportunities to identify and target metabolic processes that are uniquely essential in those cells. A major focus of the Valvezan Lab is in exploiting such metabolic vulnerabilities.