Young-Sam Lee

Young-Sam Lee, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky, College of Medicine. His research focuses on the role of abnormal metabolism in human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders, with a central hypothesis that metabolic dysregulation generates false signaling that drives disease progression.

Education:

• B.S., Seoul National University, Korea
• M.S., Seoul National University, Korea
• M.S., Indiana University, Bloomington
• Ph.D., University of Chicago
• Postdoctoral Training, Harvard University

Dr. Lee's research interests lie at the intersection of biochemistry and disease mechanisms, particularly in cancer metabolism, protein-metabolite interactions, and metabolic signaling cascades. His lab investigates how metabolites like SAICAR regulate enzymes such as PKM2, influence topoisomerase activity, and contribute to cellular adaptation in hypoxia. Using a multidisciplinary approach—spanning protein biochemistry, biophysical analysis, mass spectrometry, cell culture, and animal models—his work aims to uncover novel metabolic pathways and develop small molecule regulators.

His recent publications (2012–2025) reveal a consistent focus on metabolite-mediated regulation of enzymes, especially in cancer and stress conditions. Key themes include SAICAR-PKM2 signaling, TCA cycle metabolite effects on DNA enzymes, tRNA modification by novel metabolites, and structural insights into toxin-calmodulin interactions. These works appear in high-impact journals such as Science, Nature, Molecular Cell, and eLife, indicating significant contributions to the field.

While no specific scientific awards are listed, his sustained publication record and independent lab leadership underscore his academic impact.

Dr. Lee mentors graduate students and leads a research team investigating metabolic signaling, with support from institutional and potentially external grants (not detailed). His lab contributes to advancing understanding of metabolic drivers in disease, with implications for therapeutic development.

He is actively involved in research using mammalian cell systems, small animal models, and biochemical techniques, operating within the research infrastructure of the University of Kentucky.