Research

Here we study the intersection of lipid metabolism and immune regulation in the tumor microenvironment. Our research examines how fatty acid metabolism modulates innate immune cell function, shaping anti-tumor responses in lung and breast cancer models. We aim to elucidate metabolic mechanisms influencing cancer progression and therapeutic resistance by integrating metabolomics, live-cell imaging, and computational analysis. 

Methodological Framework

Our research employs:
🔬 Co-culture assays of tumor and innate immune cells under nutrient-defined conditions
📊 High-content imaging and quantitative analysis using EVOS M5000, ImageJ, and CellProfiler
🧬 Metabolic profiling to assess lipid-mediated immune modulation
💡 Computational modeling to map metabolic-immune interactions at a systems level

Future Directions and Collaborative Opportunities

We are actively investigating:
✔ Metabolic reprogramming of immune cells for improved tumor clearance
✔ Lipid metabolism as a therapeutic target to enhance immunotherapy efficacy
✔ Inter-individual metabolic variability and its impact on immune responses in cancer patients

We welcome collaborations with cancer biologists, immunologists, and systems biologists interested in exploring the role of metabolism in tumor-immune interactions.