Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center Distinguished Lecture Series

“Identifying and Targeting Nutrient Dependencies in Cancer Cells”

Maralice Connacci-Sorrell, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology | Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

John P. Perkins Distinguished Professor in Biomedical Science

Virginia Murchison Linthicum Scholar in Medical Research

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Hosted by: Carlos Arteaga, M.D.

Friday, August 7^th | Noon

NB5.124 Seminar Room (In-person Preferred)

Hybrid:

ZOOM Meeting

Meeting ID: 946 6548 8783

Passcode: 425620

About Dr. Maralice Conacci-Sorrell:

Dr. Conacci-Sorrell’s research uncovers how changes in cellular metabolism support uncontrolled growth in cancer and how these vulnerabilities can be targeted. Her work focuses on two fundamental processes: nutrient utilization and protein synthesis. By studying how cancer‑driving genes alter these pathways, she aims to identify strategies that disrupt tumor growth without harming normal tissues.

Certain cancers depend heavily on nutrients such as tryptophan to fuel their growth. In liver tumors, these nutrients can be used to produce a metabolite that acts as a growth signal driving the cancer cells to multiply. Removing this nutrient from the diet can halt tumor growth and adding the metabolite restored it—revealing a potential therapeutic target. In parallel, her studies on brain tumors revealed that blocking pyrimidine synthesis—the process cells use to make DNA and RNA building blocks—slows tumor growth even in drug-resistant forms of brain cancer.

“Dr. Conacci-Sorrell’s research has been pivotal in advancing our understanding of how cellular processes drive disease and uncovering strategies to address them,” said Mary Beth Maddox Award and Lectureship Committee Chair Helen Heslop, M.D., D.Sc. (Hon) (NAM), Baylor College of Medicine. “Equally notable is her steadfast leadership and dedication to mentorship, cultivating pathways that open doors for the next generation of scientists.”

Dr. Conacci-Sorrell’s research has changed scientists’ understanding of how metabolic interventions can complement traditional cancer therapies. Her lab is working to develop new strategies to disrupt the processes of nutrient uptake and metabolic utilization in cancer cells, applying targeted interventions designed to impair their growth and survival.

Dr. Conacci-Sorrell is an Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She has received numerous honors, including the John P. Perkins Distinguished Professorship in Biomedical Science, the Southwestern Academy of Teachers Outstanding Educator Award (2023), and the Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award (2024).

In addition, Dr. Conacci-Sorrell has trained more than 17 graduate and postdoctoral fellows, chaired the UT Southwestern Graduate School Admissions Committee, and led initiatives to promote equity and inclusion.

Meet the PI: https://labs.utsouthwestern.edu/sorrell-lab/about-us/meet-pi