Yang Weiwei

Biography

YANG Weiwei is a Professor Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.

Research Interest

Mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes cause alterations to multiple intracellular signaling pathways that affect tumor cell metabolism and re-engineer it to allow enhanced survival and growth. In fact, metabolic alterations are required for tumor cells to be able to respond to the proliferative signals that are delivered by oncogenic signaling pathways. In addition, the unique biochemical microenvironment further influences the metabolic phenotype of tumor cells, and thus affects tumor progression, response to therapy and patient outcome. These metabolic adaptations must balance the three crucial requirements of tumor cells, increased energy production, sufficient macromolecular biosynthesis and maintenance of redox balance. Only by thoroughly dissecting these processes will we discover the Achilles heels of tumor metabolic pathways and be able to translate this knowledge to the development and implementation of novel classes of therapeutics. Our research interests mainly focus on three directions: 1. To investigate roles of metabolic reprogramming in tumorigenesis, metastasis and drug resistance. 2. To demonstrate the mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming by tumor microenvironment. 3. To investigate the roles of metabolites in signal transduction These findings may not only provide a molecular basis for improved diagnosis and treatment of tumors, but also serve as a guideline for personalized cancer therapy.