Nutrient metabolism in cancer cells is different from that in most normal cells.  This metabolic difference has not yet been exploited for therapy. 

Dr. Vander Heiden aims to rigorously define how altered cell metabolism contributes to cancer cell proliferation; he seeks to elucidate exactly how nutrients are used by cancer cells.  This approach will lead to a better understanding of how specific metabolic pathways are used to help cancer cells grow, and holds the key to targeting metabolism for better cancer treatments.

 

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Project Title: "Understanding the metabolic requirements of cancer cells"

Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sponsor(s) / Mentor(s): n/a

Cancer Type: All cancers

Research Area: Biochemistry