We employ high-throughput metabolomics, epigenomics, single-cell multiomics, (epi)genome editing, and preclinical models to define disease-associated metabolic and epigenetic programs that control stem cell development, and how these processes go awry in cancer progression.

Our lab is equipped with cutting-edge metabolomics, genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics platforms, including in-house LC-MS and GS-MS-based metabolomic platforms, illumina sequencer, 10xGenomics single-cell technologies, and flow cytometry. Our team brings together enthusiastic scientists with diverse backgrounds and provides a wide range of perspectives in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative team setting. Since we established the laboratory in 2014, our team has published a series of impactful papers, which include:

• Development of a CRISPR-based CAPTURE approach for in situ analysis of chromatin interactions (Cell 170:1028, 2017)

• Reported that loss of EZH2 reprograms branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism to drive leukemic transformation (Cancer Discovery 9:1228, 2019)

• Discovered that the epigenetic silencing of LINE-1 retrotransposons is a selective dependency of myeloid leukemia (Nature Genetics 53:672, 2021)

• Described novel mechanisms driving therapy resistance to FDA-approved therapies in myeloid leukemia (Cancer Discovery 13:170, 2023)

• Discovered a glutamine metabolic switch essential for normal and pathological erythropoiesis (Science 386:eadh9215, 2024)

Some potential research projects:

• Understand and target metabolic vulnerabilities in genetic blood disorders and therapy response

• Characterize metabolic dependencies and biomarkers in childhood cancers and therapy response

• Develop high-throughput multi-omic approaches for targeting metabolic liabilities of cancer stem cells

• Develop computational approaches for integrating metabolomics, transcriptomics, and genomics datasets across development and disease

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree with a strong background in metabolism research, biochemistry, molecular biology, hematology/oncology, and/or a related field. The ideal candidate will exhibit independence, flexibility and creativity with a record of scientific productivity. Previous experience in metabolomics, computational biology, and/or hematology-oncology is strongly preferred.

Interested individuals should send a CV, a short summary of research interest and experience, and a list of three references to:

Jian Xu, Ph.D.

Member, St. Jude Faculty

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Email: [email protected]

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