Our Research

The Shi Lab aims to understand how epigenetic and metabolic changes alter response to therapeutic stress in cancer. We interrogate glioma brain tumors with mutations in the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) as a way to understand conserved biological processes in cancer more broadly. To achieve this goal, we have developed and use genetically engineered mouse models that capture key biology of IDH mutations in glioma. In addition, we employ engineered, patient-derived cell and animal models to test treatment strategies that are poised for clinical translation. We couple these studies with functional genomic screening, pharmacologic screening, and mechanistic experimental cell biology to identify new therapies for both IDH-mutant gliomas and other epigenetically and/or metabolically dysregulated cancers.