Metabolic Transformation — Dr. Antonio Di Cristofano has been awarded a $1.6 million grant over five years from the National Cancer Institute to study the role of the protein, PI3K, in the transformation of cells into tumor cells. Cancer cells have a characteristic metabolism that is different from normal cells. The researchers previously demonstrated that increased activation of PI3K in epithelial cells of the thyroid produces a metabolic profile similar to that of cancer cells — although preceding the transformation process and acting through a previously unknown pathway. This grant will allow the researchers to test the hypothesis that PI3K coordinates changes in gene expression that alter cellular metabolism, thereby creating an environment that favors transformation. The results from this research could help develop innovative targeted approaches aimed at selectively disrupting tumor growth while preserving metabolism in normal cells. Dr. Di Cristofano is associate professor of developmental & molecular biology and of obstetrics & gynecology and women’s health.
Posted on: Tuesday, January 29, 2013