RESEARCH
VISION & FOCUS
The Emerling Lab is focused on uncovering the fundamental lipid signaling and metabolic pathways that regulate cellular function and growth, particularly in the context of cancer. Our primary research centers on the phosphoinositide kinases known as phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinases (PI5P4Ks). We use a multidisciplinary approach combining genetic models in humans, mice, and C. elegans to investigate how PI5P4Ks control cellular metabolism and coordinate communication between organelles.
PHOSPHOINOSITIDE SIGNALING PATHWAYS IN CANCER
Phosphoinositide kinases are lipid enzymes that generate signaling molecules critical for regulating membrane dynamics, trafficking, metabolism, and cell signaling, processes often hijacked in cancer. The PI5P4Ks, a subset of these kinases, produce PI(4,5)Pâ‚‚ on intracellular membranes by primarily phosphorylating PI(5)P. Recent work from the Emerling Lab has shown that PI5P4Ks play key roles in maintaining metabolic homeostasis by coordinating autophagy, peroxisome-mitochondria communication, and nutrient trafficking. Ongoing research aims to define the biochemical mechanisms by which PI5P4Ks support tumor growth and metabolism, with the goal of uncovering new therapeutic targets.
TARGETING PI5P4Ks FOR CANCER THERAPY
We have shown that PI5P4Ks are upregulated in several cancer subtypes, and that their inhibition impairs tumor growth in multiple models, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets. Our current work uses preclinical studies, including novel genetically engineered mouse models and human cancer cell lines, to evaluate whether targeting PI5P4Ks can serve as an effective treatment strategy, particularly for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and pancreatic cancer, where existing targeted therapies have had limited success.
RESEARCH SUPPORT
Our research is made possible by funding from these organizations (past and present):
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