Schug Research
The Schug lab is interested in investigating metabolic adaptation in cancer cells through the use of cell biology, biochemistry, and metabolomics. They are particularly interested in studying the intersection of diet, metabolism, immunity, and cancer.
After completing his B.S. in Biology from Saint Joseph’s University, Dr. Schug continued his studies in Philadelphia and earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology from Thomas Jefferson University. In 2008 he began his post-doctoral studies at the Beatson Institute in Glasgow, United Kingdom and became a Research Assistant Professor during his time there. Dr. Schug opened his own lab at the Wistar Institute in 2016 as an Assistant Professor. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Cancer Biology at Thomas Jefferson University. He also holds an adjunct faculty position in the Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics at the University of Pennsylvania and in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Drexel University.
Key Research Areas
Immunomodulatory Role of Acetate Metabolism in Breast Cancer
The goal of the proposed research is to understand how acetate metabolism affects the function and activity of breast tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Our long-term goal is to use the information garnered from this research to develop novel therapeutic strategies to predict, understand, and enhance the effectiveness of ACSS2 inhibitors in the clinic.
Development and Testing of Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors in Pre-Clinical Models
We continue to develop and test a suite of novel small molecule inhibitors using in vitro biochemical assays and stable isotope tracing coupled with mass spectrometry. We also test the compounds in pre-clinical models of cancer and metastasis and are developing pharmacokinetic assays for monitoring small molecule inhibitor ADME properties.
The Role of Branched-Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism in Cancer
We find that specific cancer types are dependent on the fatty acid alpha-oxidation pathway for survival. Our studies seek to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which targeting of branched-chain fatty acid metabolism impairs cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth.
