Lu Lab

Weiqin Lu, PhD Associate Professor Department of Medicine Stony Brook University Stony Brook, New York Email: Weiqin.Lu@stonybrookmedicine.edu Phone: (631) 444-1260

Research Interests
Reactive oxidative species (ROS) stress and altered metabolism (including glucose, glutamine, and lipid) are two common metabolic abnormalities in human cancer. I am interested in understanding how these abnormalities support cancer cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis.

I am particularly interested in studying oncogenic Kras using genetically engineered mouse models. More than 30% of human cancers harbor oncogenic Ras mutations. Oncogenic Kras mutations cause profound mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic alteration, and ROS stress.

Obesity and inflammation are important risk factors for oncogenic Kras mediated pancreatic cancer formation and link to cancer metabolism and ROS stress. My current research interests are to unravel the underlying mechanisms of how obesity and inflammation promote oncogenic Kras mediated pancreatic cancer initiation and development. Specifically, I will investigate (1) Why mice harboring oncogenic Kras mutations in pancreas are vulnerable to high-fat diet challenge to develop pancreatic cancer. (2) The role of ROS in the synergistic effect of inflammation and oncogenic Kras mediated pancreatic cancer initiation and development. (3) Metabolic alterations from pancreatitis to pancreatic cancer.

Several unique mouse models have been generated to address the outstanding knowledge gaps. Knowledge gained from the studies will guide the design of new targets for cancer detection, prevention, and treatment.

Research Funding

• National Institute of Health (NIH)

  R56, R01

• Department of Defense (DoD) 

• American Cancer Society (ACS) 

• Stony Brook Medicine 

• Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation

Publications

PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1JQ15jfXnchA_/bibliography/public/

Contact Information
Research inquiries regarding laboratory positions including Postdoctoral Fellow, Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student, Research Associate, and Research Technicians should contact: Weiqin.Lu@stonybrookmedicine.edu
Lab Location: Health Sciences Center, 15th Floor, Rm 090
Office Location: Health Sciences Center, 15th Floor, Rm 091

Lab Personnel Dr. Lu’s lab has positions open for Postdoctoral Fellows and Graduate Students
	James Du Research Scientist Department of Medicine Stony Brook University Email: james.du@stonybrookmedicine.edu
	Allen Hu Undergraduate Student Department of Medicine Stony Brook University Email: allenhu.00@gmail.com
	Eunice Kim Undergraduate Student Department of Medicine Stony Brook University Email: hayoung0927@gmail.com
	Cindy Leung Undergraduate Student  Department of Medicine Stony Brook University Email: cindy.leung@stonybrook.edu
	Yinghuan Lyu Graduate Student  Department of Medicine Stony Brook University Email: lyu.yinghuan@stonybrook.edu
	Jianjia Ma Graduate Student  Department of Medicine Stony Brook University Email: jianjia.ma@stonybrookmedicine.edu
	Ruowen Zhang Research Scientist Department of Medicine Stony Brook University Email: ruowen.zhang@stonybrookmedicine.edu