Cancer cells exhibit an altered metabolism compared to their normal cell counterparts. There is growing evidence that this altered metabolism is critical for tumor cell growth. Dr. Heather Christofk and colleagues are studying how metabolism is regulated in normal and cancer cells, and how this contributes to disease. They have discovered one mechanism important for the metabolic alterations in tumor cells, and are now exploring additional mechanisms of metabolic regulation. Their goals are to identify novel drug targets for cancer and other proliferative disorders, and to better define the role of metabolism for cell growth.