About
Dr. Rachel Perry is an Associate Professor at Yale School of Medicine with joint appointments in Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Endocrinology, and Comparative Medicine. Her research bridges systemic metabolism, tumor biology, and immunometabolism, focusing on how obesity and hyperinsulinemia drive cancer progression and how metabolic interventions can improve outcomes.
- Education:
- B.S. in Biomedical Engineering
- Ph.D. (with Distinction) in Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University
Her work employs stable isotope tracer methodologies to identify hyperinsulinemia-induced tumor glucose uptake as a key driver of colon and breast cancer growth, proposing mitochondrial uncoupling and SGLT2 inhibition as therapeutic strategies. Current projects explore:
- Molecular mechanisms linking obesity to tumor progression
- Exercise's role in modulating tumor metabolism
- Immunometabolism in cancer and sepsis
- Metabolic flux in stress states
- Obesity's impact on reproductive dysfunction
Dr. Perry's publications span journals like Nature Cell Biology, Cell Metabolism, and Journal of Clinical Investigation, highlighting her expertise in metabolic flux analysis, mitochondrial function, and cancer-stress interplay.
Scientific Awards:
- NIH R37 MERIT Award (2022)
- Melanoma Research Alliance Young Investigator Award (2021)
- Rising Stars of Cancer Metabolism and Signaling (2021)
- Lab Heroes Award (2024)
She actively mentors trainees at all levels and co-leads a graduate metabolism course, emphasizing diversity, equity, and rigorous scientific training. Her lab is part of Yale's multidisciplinary initiatives including the Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology and Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center.
