Jennifer H. Stern, PhD
Dr. Stern leads an NIH funded research program focused on understanding the role of glucoregulatory hormone signaling in the pathogenesis of obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, and aging. The goal of Stern lab research is to improve the prevention and treatment of diabetes and age-related metabolic disorders.
Cancer Focus
Obesity is the leading cause of multiple solid cancers. In particular, the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more than doubled in obese people with Type II diabetes. To identify new drug targets to treat HCC, the Stern lab applies a chemical model of accelerated hepatocellular carcinoma. We use this to examine the effects of hepatic lipid accumulation and altered glucoregulatory hormone signaling on HCC development and progression.