Alan Bhatt

Alan Bhatt investigates the PERK-eIF2alpha-ATF4 branch of the unfolded protein response as a driver of cancer cell survival under stress and as a therapeutic target. His research characterized how PERK pathway activation promotes cancer cell resistance to hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and cytotoxic therapies by globally suppressing protein synthesis while selectively translating stress-response proteins. He developed and characterized PERK kinase inhibitors and demonstrated their activity in pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors. His work defines the integrated stress response as a cancer vulnerability.