Center for Metabolomic Studies Seminar Series Featuring Marcia C. Haigis, PhD
Presentation: “The Role of Metabolites in Cancer and Anti-tumor Immunity”
Speaker: Marcia C. Haigis, PhD
Professor in the Department of Cell Biology
Director of Gender Equity for Faculty in Science
Harvard Medical School
Abstract:
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that provide cells with energy and metabolites needed for survival and growth even during dramatic changes in diet, stress and development. Metabolic rewiring is a hallmark of cancer and supports the increased biosynthetic and energetic requirements of cancer cells. The tumor microenvironment provides a unique niche that supports the metabolic reprogramming of the tumor but may be suppressive to cytotoxic T cells. Additionally, metabolites serve as key signaling molecules and enable communication within cells and between cells. Here I will discuss our work in elucidating how metabolites impact anti-tumor immune control.