Yu Lab
Research job openings
About the Lab:
Lymphatic vessels maintain tissue fluid homeostasis. They also serve as essential conduits for tumor cell dissemination and the removal of cholesterol from the aortic wall. Accordingly, excessive or insufficient lymphangiogenesis (formation of the lymphatic vasculature) underlies the pathogenesis of multiple human diseases such as cancer, lymphedema, and atherosclerosis, for which curative treatments are not available. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanism of lymphangiogenesis may guide the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Our recent study (Yu et al., Nature, 2017) has discovered that a novel cellular mechanism—endothelial glycolysis—plays a crucial role in lymphangiogenesis . Cells convert glucose into pyruvate through glycolytic metabolism, which generates ATP. Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) exhibit robust glycolysis and heavily rely on this metabolic process for ATP production. Accordingly, glycolytic inhibition through genetic ablation of a rate-limiting glycolytic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2) profoundly impairs lymphatic vessel formation. Importantly, endothelial glycolysis can be enhanced by fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2 signaling via HK2 and is essential for FGF2-driven lymphangiogenesis. Our study highlights the importance of endothelial glycolysis in lymphatic vessel formation. It also indicates that lymphangiogenic signaling controls endothelial metabolism in order to elicit a metabolic state permissive for growth and proliferation.
Research projects of our laboratory are built upon this recent study to further study the crosstalk between metabolic programs and lymphangiogenic signaling events and to understand the involvement of cellular metabolism in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases.
Lab perks and benefits:
Founded in 1946, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) is among the nation’s oldest, most respected independent, nonprofit biomedical research institutes. OMRF is dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human diseases, focusing on critical research areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. OMRF follows an innovative cross-disciplinary approach to medical research and ranks among the nation’s leaders in patents per scientist.
Located in Oklahoma City, a city that offers a dynamic and flourishing downtown area, with low cost of living, short commute times and a diversified economy, OMRF has been voted one of the Top Workplaces since the inception of the award. This achievement has been accomplished thanks to OMRF individuals who share a unified understanding that our excellence can only be fully realized with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to these values.
We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits including, medical, dental, and vision insurance, minimum 8% company retirement contribution, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, onsite café, free onsite fitness center with access to personal trainer, free parking and much more! Relocation assistance available for those located 50 miles outside of Oklahoma City metro and out of state. Learn more about our benefits here.
OMRF is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Find a Lab
Networking with scientists has never been easier. We've curated a list of the best scientists and labs in your area.
Find a Lab