Plas Laboratory

Innovative Therapy

Our group investigates the effects of oncogenic signal transduction on tumor cell metabolism and apoptosis control. In PTEN-deficient cancer cells, signal transduction activates the protein kinase S6K1, which in turn primes cell metabolism to growth and survival in cancer cells. By counteracting oncogenic signal transduction and cancer cell metabolism, we aim to restore normal cell death control in cancer cells.

The lab uses genetic and biochemical approaches to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets in brain cancers and leukemia. We join with outstanding clinical and research colleagues to pursue answers for the biggest obstacles in cancer therapy.