Mauricio Reginato

Mauricio Reginato, PhD, is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Drexel University College of Medicine. He also serves as Director of the Graduate Program in Cancer Biology and Program Leader of the Translational Cellular Oncology Program at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Research Consortium. Dr. Reginato holds a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Biology from Penn State University, with postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School.

His research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms regulating breast cancer growth, metastasis, and metabolic reprogramming, particularly the role of O-GlcNAcylation in cancer progression. The Reginato Lab employs 3D organoid cultures and ex vivo brain slice models to study breast cancer metastasis to the brain. Key projects include targeting O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) to inhibit cancer growth and identifying therapies for incurable breast cancer brain metastases.

Dr. Reginato has received numerous awards, including the Edith Mitchell Mentoring Award (2025), Outstanding Mentor of the Year (2023), and Julian Marsh Faculty Scholar Award (2021). His lab has published extensively in journals like Oncogene, Molecular Cancer Research, and Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, with a focus on O-Glccylation, metabolic pathways, and therapeutic targets. Recent work highlights brain-penetrant ACSS2 inhibitors and the role of fructose/acetate in liver cancer.

Collaborations include the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center and Jefferson University, emphasizing translational research and community engagement. Dr. Reginato mentors graduate and undergraduate students, with trainees advancing to postdoctoral and academic positions. His lab actively participates in cancer consortium efforts to reduce disparities and improve patient outcomes in Philadelphia’s catchment area.