The Scripps Research Institute

Sherry Niessen

Kyle P Chiang

Benjamin F Cravatt

Alan Saghatelian

A multidimensional profiling strategy that combines activity-based proteomics and metabolomics was used to determine that an active protein, which is a previously uncharacterized enzyme highly elevated in aggressive cancer cells, serves as a central node in an ether lipid signaling network that bridges platelet-activating factor and the lysophospholipids. Biochemical studies confirmed that the active protein regulates this pathway by hydrolyzing the metabolic intermediate 2-acetyl monoalkylglycerol. Inactivation of the active protein disrupted ether lipid metabolism in cancer cells and impaired cell migration and tumor growth in vivo.

Growing community of inventors

San Diego, CA, United States of America

Sherry Niessen