Yibin Deng

Yibin Deng is a Professor in the Department of Urology at the University of Minnesota, where he leads research on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer, particularly focusing on prostate and liver cancers. His work integrates molecular oncology, metabolic reprogramming, and translational therapeutics to understand and combat castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and other malignancies.

Dr. Deng's research interests center on key cancer pathways including p53, telomere biology, programmed cell death, and metabolic regulation via hexokinases and TXNIP. He is particularly known for his work on the role of metabolic enzymes in epigenetic control and cancer cell survival. His laboratory investigates how dysregulation of glycolysis, mitochondrial function, and redox balance contributes to tumorigenesis and therapy resistance.

The recent trend in his publications reflects a strong emphasis on translational and computational approaches to cancer therapy. His articles span topics from the development of analytical methods for drug pharmacokinetics to computational modeling of drug targets in metastatic CRPC. He also contributes to high-impact review articles on metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer, indicating leadership in synthesizing complex cancer metabolism concepts.

Dr. Deng has secured significant research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Department of Defense, with active projects including:

• Targeting the eIF4A1-dependent HK2 translation axis for CRPC prevention
• Developing AI-designed mini-proteins for immune-mediated eradication of PSMA-expressing CRPC cells
• Translational development of novel combination therapies for CRPC
• Prevention of prostate carcinogenesis using next-generation selenium compounds

These grants demonstrate sustained research activity and innovation in targeting cancer metabolism and immune responses.

He has mentored or collaborated with numerous researchers across institutions, though formal students are not explicitly listed. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being, particularly through cancer prevention and therapy development.