Besim Ogretmen

Dr. Besim Ogretmen is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine. He holds leadership roles including Associate Dean of Research, Associate Director of Basic Science at Hollings Cancer Center, and Director of the Lipidomics Shared Resource. His research focuses on sphingolipid metabolism and signaling in cancer progression, therapy resistance, and immunotherapy response. Dr. Ogretmen leads the Lipid Signaling in Cancer Program and directs the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Lipidomics and Pathobiology, positioning MUSC as a national leader in lipid research.

Education:

• B.S., Middle East Technical University, Turkey (1988)
• Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology (1993)
• Postdoc, University of Chicago (1996)

Research Interests: His work investigates how sphingolipids regulate cancer cell survival, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Key areas include:

• Mechanisms linking ceramide/S1P signaling to cancer stemness and EMT
• Targeting sphingolipid pathways in clinical trials (e.g., BXQ-350)
• Role of lipid signaling in immunotherapy response and PD-L1 regulation
• Polyploid giant cancer cells and their therapeutic vulnerabilities

Grants & Awards: He has secured NIH P01, P30, and COBRE grants. Notable achievements include the SmartState Endowed Chair and leadership in NCI-designated cancer center programs.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Lipidomics Facility and collaborates across Hollings Cancer Center, focusing on translational lipid research with global industry partnerships.