DC 3: Kexing Gao
Kexing Gao (China) received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Nanjing Normal University in 2021, followed by a Master of Medicine degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2024. Her research focused on molecular and translational oncology, including the investigation of genes and signaling pathways involved in early tumor development and therapy resistance. Her current research interests center on cellular metabolic networks and therapeutic strategies for cancer.
Planned secondments: 2 months at the University of Tübingen for generation of PROTAC degraders of new amino acid responsive TSC regulators. 2 months at FORTH-BRI for identification of translation targets downstream of new TSC regulators. 3 months at PD-value for linkage of ODE based computational mTOR models with pharmacokinetic models to account for drug metabolization.
University of Tübingen
2 monthsTübingen, Germany
FORTH-BRI
2 monthsIoannina, Greece
My research project
Using high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) combined with CRISPR, knockdown, small compound inhibitors and/or PROTAC degrader techniques, the PhD candidate will discover and characterize new elements mediating the integration of nutrient signals by the TSC complex. Mathematical model-based computational simulations will enable the systematic generation and ranking of hypotheses on the mechanisms via which the candidates act on TSC-mTORC1 signaling. Metabolic effectors will be identified by MS-based metabolomics. In collaboration with the MENTOR partners, we will delineate the role of novel TSC complex regulators in pathophysiological processes linked with mTORopathies.
PhD enrolment : 
DC 2: Alisa Kirkin