Investigating the substrate specificity of the master kinase LKB1 and the pharmacological targeting of its substrate NUAK2 to treat cancers [ 2018 - ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr Kelan Chen (Principal investigator)

Brief description Kinases are key regulators of cell signaling and emerging drug targets. LKB1 kinase specifically activates a set of substrates to modulate cellular processes, and its substrate NUAK2 is a novel target for cancer. I will elucidate the structural basis of how LKB1 recognizes its substrates and develop inhibitors targeting LKB1-NUAK2 interaction for cancer treatment. My project will provide key insights into kinase-dependent signaling and establish a new framework for therapeutics development.

Funding Amount $384,768.00

Funding Scheme Early Career Fellowships

Notes CJ Martin Biomedical ECF