In one of our research strategies, we began with chemical probes to explore how they interact with specific protein targets. This approach led to the discovery of previously unrecognized biological mechanisms that govern cellular movement, as well as the development of novel therapeutics designed to modulate these processes. This work is critical, as dysregulated cell movement underlies approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths.

In another approach, we focused on unique protein structures to determine whether they represented untapped sites of biological regulation. This research uncovered a new class of therapeutics that induce anoikis — a form of programmed cell death triggered upon detachment. Understanding and leveraging this mechanism is vital, as cancer cells must evade anoikis to survive and metastasize.