Branched-chain Keto Acids Function as Signaling Molecules in Human Diseases

The complex network of enzyme-catalyzed reactions results in approximately 200,000 metabolites. This intricate dynamic network regulates cellular behavior and life activities, and any imbalance can lead to the development of diseases such as tumors. In recent years, the non-classical functions of metabolites have gained increasing attention. In this report, I will briefly summarize recent advances in their studies on nutrition and cellular metabolic plasticity, with a focus on research findings in branched-chain amino acid metabolism and cellular metabolic plasticity.

 

Prof. Qun-Ying Lei obtained her Ph.D.in Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China, and completed her postdoctoral training in Prof. Hong Wu’s laboratory, University of California, Los Angeles, CA. In 2006, she moved back to China and joined Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University. Currently, Prof. Lei is a senior PI working in Shanghai Cancer Center and Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Dean of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, China. Prof. Lei’s laboratory focuses on nutrition & cancer metabolism to understand the metabolic plasticity, specifically defining translational significance of metabolic therapy/intervention in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Her research work has been published in Nat Cell Biol, Nat Metab, Cancer Cell, as well as other Peer-Reviewed journals. Due to her excellent work, she has received various honors and awards including Chinese Young Women in Science Awards, C.C.Tan Life Science Innovation Award, Wu Jieping - Paul Janssen Medical & Pharmaceutical Award, New Cornerstone Investigator.

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