Lypova Lab

About 

Committed to enhancing the understanding of cancer metabolism and its influence on therapy resistance, with a particular emphasis on lung cancer. Our research focuses on several key areas. 

We investigate the unique metabolic dependencies present in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that contribute to both intrinsic and acquired resistance to targeted therapies. Our objective is to identify new therapeutic targets. Our research also dissects the roles of metabolic enzymes, which are integral to both metabolic and non-metabolic pathways, including the maintenance of redox balance and the preservation of DNA integrity.

We analyze the metabolic vulnerabilities present in cancer cells that develop resistance to chemotherapy, striving to elucidate how these cellular populations arise and adapt under treatment pressures. Additionally, our laboratory examines the potential of targeting metabolic drivers in conjunction with established treatment modalities, with the goal of improving outcomes for NSCLC patients, particularly those receiving EGFR inhibitor therapies.

To facilitate our research endeavors, we have established a comprehensive array of lung cancer-relevant in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, which allow for an in-depth examination of the complex metabolic mechanisms that contribute to therapy resistance.

Key Research Areas

• Investigation of metabolic dependencies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) related to resistance to targeted therapies.
• Identification of new therapeutic targets based on metabolic profiles in NSCLC.
• Analysis of how metabolic enzymes support the antioxidant capacity of cells during therapy.
• Examining metabolic cross-talks within tumors and their role in chemotherapy resistance.
• Development of in vitro and ex vivo models for tracing drug-tolerant persisters (DTPs)

Current Projects

• Targeting metabolic reprogramming in drug-tolerant cells during EGFRi therapy

Team 

• Nadiia Lypova, nadiia.lypova@louisville.edu
• Viraj Mistry – student (Distinction in Research Track Program),
• viraj.mistry@louisville.edu

Recent Publications

• Lypova N, Dougherty SM, Clem BF, Feng J, Yin X, Zhang X, Li X, Chesney JA, Imbert-Fernandez Y. PFKFB3-dependent redox homeostasis and DNA repair support cell survival under EGFR-TKIs in non-small cell lung carcinoma. Cancer Metab. 2024 Dec 18;12(1):37. PMID: 39696407; PMCID: PMC11658331.