Timothy E. McGraw

Timothy E. McGraw is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Weill Cornell Medicine's Graduate School of Medical Sciences. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of insulin-regulated glucose metabolism and lung cancer immunology, with significant contributions to understanding cellular trafficking pathways.

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in Chemistry from the University of Chicago
• PhD in Microbiology from NYU
• Postdoctoral fellowship with Frederick Maxfield at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons

Research Interests:

Dr. McGraw's laboratory investigates how insulin controls glucose uptake through regulation of the GLUT4 glucose transporter, with implications for type 2 diabetes. His work has revealed complex trafficking pathways involving RAB10, peri-nuclear storage compartments, and insulin-regulated vesicles. Additionally, his lab studies lung cancer immune evasion mechanisms, particularly resistance to checkpoint blockade therapies. His research combines molecular cell biological methods, quantitative optical microscopy, and translational studies of human samples to bridge basic science with clinical applications.

Research Trends:

Dr. McGraw's publications show a dual trajectory in metabolic regulation and cancer biology. His metabolic research continues to elucidate GLUT4 trafficking mechanisms while his cancer work has expanded to identify biomarkers of immunotherapy response in early-stage lung cancer. This integration of basic cellular mechanisms with clinical applications represents a growing trend in his recent work, particularly in understanding how molecular trafficking pathways impact disease states.

Lab and Research Teams:

The McGraw Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine conducts research on insulin-regulated membrane trafficking and lung cancer immunology. The lab collaborates with clinicians including Dr. Nasser Altorki (Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery) on lung cancer research. Current projects include studying RAB10 in GLUT4 trafficking, characterizing GIP receptor biology in adipocytes, and investigating cancer-associated fibroblasts in lung cancer using RNA seq, metabolomic and proteomic approaches.