Roberto Zoncu

Roberto Zoncu is a Professor of Molecular Therapeutics at the University of California, Berkeley, within the College of Letters & Science and the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology. His research focuses on understanding how nutrient sensing by cellular organelles, particularly the lysosome, regulates growth signaling and metabolic homeostasis. Central to his work is the mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1), which integrates nutrient signals to balance anabolic and catabolic processes.

Key research areas include the lysosome's role as a signaling hub for cholesterol and other metabolites, inter-organelle communication between lysosomes and mitochondria/ER, and the development of chemical tools to manipulate nutrient signaling. Projects address diseases such as cancer, Niemann-Pick type C, and metabolic disorders. Zoncu's lab utilizes advanced live-cell microscopy, biochemical reconstitution, and high-throughput screening to dissect molecular mechanisms.

Notable contributions include discoveries on lysosomal cholesterol sensing, Rag GTPase regulation of mTORC1, and the identification of LYCHOS as a GPCR-like cholesterol sensor. The lab also explores how cancer cells exploit organelle networks to sustain growth. Collaborations include structural biology and drug discovery efforts targeting mTORC1.

Labs/Teams: The Zoncu Lab (http://www.robertozonculab.org/) focuses on lysosomal biology and metabolic signaling. Research is supported by grants exploring lysosomal dysfunction in disease and organelle communication pathways.