Kuo-Hui su, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
kuo-hui.su@utoledo.edu
EDUCATION:
|
B.S. |
2004 |
Physical Therapy |
Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan |
|
Ph.D. |
2011 |
Cardiovascular Physiology |
National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan |
|
Post-Doc |
2014 |
Cardiovascular Physiology |
National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan |
|
Post-Doc |
2016 |
Cell and Cancer Biology |
The Jackson Lab (JAX), Bar Harbor, ME |
|
Research Fellow |
2021 |
Cell and Cancer Biology |
Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, MD |
RESEARCH INTERESTS
KRAS-mutant cancers, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which comprises approximately 90% of all pancreatic malignancies, are major contributors to cancer-related deaths, with a five-year survival rate of less than 13% due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. Our laboratory studies how heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), a master transcription factor of the proteotoxic stress response that maintains proteome homeostasis, drives pancreatic cancer growth and survival through both transcriptional and transcription-independent mechanisms. We are particularly interested in how HSF1 maintains cellular mitochondrial quality control, metal stress tolerance, lipid metabolism, and autophagy/cell death, and how these pathways together shape therapy resistance in cancer. Using in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical models, our goal is to uncover the vulnerabilities created by HSF1-driven proteostatic and metabolic rewiring in pancreatic cancer, and to translate these findings into new therapeutic strategies.
FUNDING
Current Research Support
American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant (RSG-24-1325231-01-CCB)
2025–2028
"Targeting Heat Shock Factor 1-Mediated Autophagy in Pancreatic Cancer"
Role: PI
Ohio Cancer Research (Project #5126)
2026–2028
"The HSF1-FAO Axis as a Therapeutic Vulnerability in Pancreatic Cancer"
Role: PI
Research Innovation Program, University of Toledo URFO – Major Programs (PAM-601680)
2026–2027
"Targeting HSF1-Mediated Mitochondrial Homeostasis Sensitizes Pancreatic Cancer to
Copper Toxicity"
Role: PI
Completed Research Support
University of Toledo, de Arce-Koch Memorial Endowment Program
2022–2023
"Role of Heat Shock Factor 1 in Pancreatic Tumor Autophagy"
Role: PI
National Cancer Institute (K22CA248616-01)
2021–2025
"A Transcription-Independent Role of HSF1 in Tumorigenesis via Suppression of AMPK"
Role: PI
PUBLICATIONS:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/kuo-hui.su.2/bibliography/public/
STUDENT OPENINGS: Currently accepting students