Isabelle Racine-Miousse

Isabelle Racine-Miousse, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. Her research, supported by the KL2 Mentored Research Career Development Award, investigates metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells, particularly focusing on methionine dependence and its therapeutic potential for metastatic melanoma.

• Education: Doctorate in Human Genetics from McGill University (Montreal, Canada); Postdoctoral fellowship at UAMS.

Her work leverages dietary methionine restriction to enhance survival in metastatic melanoma patients. The project explores three axes: genetic variations in methionine metabolism, molecular mechanisms of cancer cell dependence, and combination therapies with immunotherapy. This research aims to improve response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitors (currently 50%) and patient quality of life.

• Scientific Awards:
  • KL2 Mentored Research Career Development Award

Mentors: Collaborates with Alan Tackett, Ph.D. (Scharlau Family Endowed Chair for Cancer Research, UAMS) and Issam Makhoul, M.D. (Director of Hematology Oncology, UAMS).