PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Cell Biology
Area of Interest
The Pengda Liu Lab is interested in deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant signaling events that contribute to tumorigenesis mediated by protein modifications and protein-protein interactions. Understanding these events may lead to identification of novel drug targets and provide new treatment strategies to combat human cancer. To this end, we are interested in the potential of enzymes, and their inhibition, for generating traditional inhibitory chemical compounds or antibodies as therapeutic tools.
Cell signaling networks determine cell fate- aberrant activation of oncogenic signaling or inactivation of tumor suppressors is a key mechanism during cancer development. However, cell-signaling networks are complicated and dynamic with fluxes in both space and time. Thus, to understand how cancer-associated aberrant cell decisions are made requires addressing a global view of cell signaling networks that influence both tumor cell per se and tumor microenvironment such as immune environment. Answers to these questions will be likely to guide new therapies.
Awards and Honors
- Yang Family Biomedical Scholars Award, UNC School of Medicine, 2023-24
- Phillip and Ruth Hettleman Prizes for Scholarly Achievement, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2023
- Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation Award, 2022
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) Innovation Challenge Winner, 2021
- Department of Defense Kidney Cancer Research Program Idea Development Award, 2021
- Sapphire North America’s Return to Research Grant, 2021
- Jefferson-Pilot Fellowship in Academic Medicine, 2021
- Breast Cancer Alliance Young Investigator Grant, 2020
- Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation Medical Research Award, 2020
- Avantor Sciences Foundation Grant, 2019
- UNC Lineberger Developmental Grant, 2019
- Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Cancer Career Development Award (declined), 2019
- North Carolina Biotechnology Center Flash Grant, 2019
- Joseph Li Travel Award, 2019
- NCTraCS Pilot Grant, 2019
- V Scholar Award, V Foundation for Cancer Research, 2018
- UNC IBM Junior Faculty Development Award, 2017
- Atomwise Artificial Intelligence Molecular Screen (AIMS) Award, 2017
- East Carolina University 40 under 40 Leadership Award, 2016
- National Cancer Institute Pathway to Independence (K99) Award, 2014
- NIH/NHLBI Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award, 2012
- Carol F. Volkman Award, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 2006
News and Stories
Researchers develop molecule that targets Ewing sarcoma
Pengda Liu, PhD, and colleagues have created a small molecule that targets and breaks down a protein linked to Ewing sarcoma, an aggressive cancer that mostly affects children and teens.
UNC Lineberger and UNC faculty and trainees present findings at AACR annual meeting
Nearly 30 UNC Lineberger and UNC faculty and trainees will present findings and participate during the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting in Chicago, April 25-30.
