Vuk Stambolic

Focusing on a signaling network named the PI3K signaling pathway, which is implicated in the majority of human malignancies, my laboratory aims to discover, characterize, and target the critical molecular nodes involved in cancer. Our particular interest is the biology of PTEN, a major tumor suppressor and one of the most frequently altered genes in human cancer. Utilizing biochemical, molecular biology and genetic approaches, as well as partnering with the experts in the areas of structural biology and protein turnover, our aim is a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of events governing tumorigenesis. Moreover, through collaborations with clinical oncologists and direct involvement in the correlative science components of several clinical trials, we are seeking to extend our mechanistic understanding of cancer pathways towards improving precision therapeutics approaches to cancer treatment.