Matthew Vander Heiden

Matthew Vander Heiden at MIT has made foundational contributions to cancer metabolism research, including landmark work demonstrating that PKM2 (pyruvate kinase M2) expression in cancer cells promotes biosynthesis over ATP production, contributing to the Warburg effect. His research has shown that cancer cells prioritize biosynthetic precursor generation over metabolic efficiency to support rapid proliferation. He has characterized serine biosynthesis as a key metabolic vulnerability in cancers with amplification of PHGDH. His work on how cells use nutrients during proliferation versus quiescence has fundamentally advanced understanding of the metabolic adaptations of cancer.