Nam Lee, Ph.D.

My research focuses on transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling, which drives a wide range of cellular and pathophysiologic processes in the mammalian system. One of the major long-term goals is to gain fundamental understanding of how TGF-β-dependent pathways control vascular functions during tumor angiogenesis, particularly as they relate to mechanisms governing acquired resistance to existing VEGF and TGF-β targeted therapies. Another major area of study involves mass spectrometry/proteomics-based approach to identify novel roles for the key TGF-β effectors such as SMADs and TAK1. More recently, the lab has discovered dynamic new roles for these proteins in mitochondrial and microtubule functions. Current projects explore how these proteins contribute to mitochondrial and microtubule dysfunction during cancer progression and in neurodegenerative conditions.