Description:

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Distinguished Seminar Series presents:

The gene encoding the enzyme PI 3-Kinase-alpha, PIK3CA is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancer and the gene encoding the Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate 3-phosphatase, PTEN is second only to TP53 as the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor in human cancers. These mutations both enhance the ability of the insulin receptor and other protein-Tyr kinases to generate the lipid Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate and thereby stimulate downstream signaling to AKT and other cell growth pathways. Targeting this pathway has been a challenge since PI 3-Kinase-alpha inhibitors cause acute insulin resistance in muscle and liver and consequent hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. importantly, the hyperinsulinemia can override the effect of the PI3-Kinase inhibitor on the tumor, compromising effectiveness. We are exploring ways to circumvent these complications to improve effectiveness of drugs. We are also examining other drug targets, including metabolic enzymes, that could cooperate with PI 3-Kinase inhibitors to enhance killing of tumor cells.

Lewis C. Cantley, PhD
Meyer Director
Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medical College Ronald P. Stanton Clinical Cancer Program at NewYork-Presbyterian
Professor of Cancer Biology in Medicine
Weill Cornell Medical College