PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Genetics Research Program
Area of Interest
The Pengda Liu Lab focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that drive tumorigenesis, with an emphasis on aberrant signaling events mediated by protein modifications and protein-protein interactions. By understanding these dysregulated pathways, we aim to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop new treatment strategies and reagents against human cancers. A key interest of the lab is exploring the therapeutic potential of enzymes—particularly through their inhibition using small molecules or antibody-based approaches. Cell signaling networks are central to determining cell fate. In cancer, the aberrant activation of oncogenes or inactivation of tumor suppressors disrupts these networks, promoting malignancy. However, signaling pathways are highly complex and dynamic, operating across spatial and temporal dimensions. To decipher how cancer-associated signaling misfires, we take a systems-level approach—examining not only tumor-intrinsic signaling but also interactions with the tumor microenvironment, including the tumor immune landscape. These insights will help shape next-generation therapeutic strategies.
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
Priming the pump for new cancer treatments
UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy’s Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry Division is a central hub for cancer therapeutics. Its faculty members are studying the chemical and biological mechanisms that promote cancer growth and persistence.
UNC researchers unlock new way to help fight skin cancer
Researchers found that inhibiting a problematic protein in the body helps immunotherapies and CAR-T therapy to better fight off melanoma.
