Taro Hitosugi

Dr. Taro Hitosugi is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at Mayo Clinic, affiliated with the Departments of Oncology and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He holds dual Senior Associate Consultant II-Research roles in these departments. His research focuses on cancer metabolism, signal transduction pathways, and post-translational modifications (PTMs), particularly their interplay in tumorigenesis. Dr. Hitosugi employs phosphoproteomics and metabolomics to study metabolic enzymes like PKM2 and mitochondrial-localized oncogenic tyrosine kinases (OTKs). His work aims to develop targeted therapies combining kinase and metabolic inhibitors.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, The University of Tokyo
• Masters in Chemistry, The University of Tokyo
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, The University of Tokyo
• Postdoctoral Training at Emory University School of Medicine

Research Focus: Dr. Hitosugi investigates how PTMs (tyrosine phosphorylation, cysteine oxidation, etc.) regulate cancer metabolism. Key projects include studying PKM2 inhibition in cancers, mitochondrial OTK roles, and tumor suppressive metabolites. His lab explores metabolic markers for anti-cancer drug development with reduced side effects.

Awards:

• Collaborative Cancer Research Program Award (2024)
• Innovation Accelerator Award (2023)
• ASH Scholar Award (2010)

Grants & Projects:

• PI for NIH-funded projects on CPT1A’s role in tumorigenesis (2018–2024)
• Co-PI on mitochondrial creatine kinase modulator research (2020–2023)

Labs/Teams: Active in Mayo Clinic’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics divisions, collaborating on translational research to bridge bench and bedside.