Gina DeNicola

Gina DeNicola has made critical contributions to understanding the NRF2/KEAP1 antioxidant pathway in cancer, demonstrating that NRF2 activation through KEAP1 loss-of-function mutations is a major oncogenic driver in lung cancer that protects tumor cells from oxidative stress while reprogramming metabolism to support proliferation. Her work showed that NRF2 upregulates glutathione synthesis, thioredoxin reductase, and pentose phosphate pathway genes to create a comprehensive antioxidant shield. She revealed that NRF2-high cancers are dependent on serine biosynthesis for glutathione production, creating a metabolic vulnerability. Her research is guiding the development of NRF2 inhibitors and metabolic interventions for KEAP1-mutant cancers.