Erik R. Nelson

Erik R. Nelson is an Associate Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology. He holds additional roles at the Cancer Center at Illinois (Urbana), University of Illinois Cancer Center (Chicago), and the Anticancer Discovery from Pets to People research theme in the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. His research focuses on endocrine and metabolic control of breast and ovarian cancer, particularly the role of cholesterol metabolism in tumor progression and immune cell function.

Dr. Nelson earned a B.Sc. in Zoology (2002) and a Ph.D. in Comparative Endocrinology (2008) from the University of Calgary, followed by postdoctoral training at Duke University School of Medicine (2008–2014). He teaches courses in systems physiology, neuropharmacology, and cell and developmental biology.

His lab investigates how cholesterol metabolites like 27-hydroxycholesterol influence tumor-associated immune cells, tumor microenvironment signaling, and extracellular vesicle dynamics. Key research directions include leveraging cholesterol biology to reprogram anti-tumor immunity and targeting nuclear receptors for therapeutic intervention.

Notable awards include the 2025 Richard E. Weitzman Laureate Award, 2021 I.C. Gunsalus Scholar distinction, and multiple grants from the Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health. Highlighted publications include breakthrough studies on NR0B2-mediated immune reprogramming and cholesterol-driven tumor progression mechanisms.

Recent work includes developing small molecules for complete tumor regression in preclinical models and co-targeting metabolism to reduce metastasis. His lab actively collaborates on translational projects bridging basic science and clinical applications, with a focus on improving patient outcomes through novel therapeutic strategies.