Wei Li, Ph.D.

Research Focus

Dr. Wei Li’s laboratory studies the complex interplay between cells in healthy tissues and how disruptions in these interactions can lead to cancer development and progression. His current research centers on the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway in brain tumors—using a combination of molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques alongside mouse tumor models to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

Most Recent Publications

• Tang, M., Dirks, K., Kim, S. Y., Qiu, Z., Gao, Y., Sun, D., Peruggia, G., Sallavanti, J., & Li, W. (2025). Inhibition of thioredoxin reductase 1 sensitizes glucose-starved glioblastoma cells to disulfidptosis. Cell Death and Differentiation, 32(4), 598-612. Article 2700. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41418-024-01440-0
• Kim, S. Y., Tang, M., Chih, S. Y., Sallavanti, J., Gao, Y., Qiu, Z., Wang, H. G., & Li, W. (2025). Involvement of p38 MAPK and MAPKAPK2 in promoting cell death and the inflammatory response to ischemic stress associated with necrotic glioblastoma. Cell Death and Disease, 16(1), Article 12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-025-07335-3
• Lu, T., & Li, W. (2025). Neutrophil Engulfment in Cancer: Friend or Foe? Cancers, 17(3), Article 384. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030384
• Yeon Kim, S., Tang, M., Lu, T., Chih, S. Y., & Li, W. (2024). Ferroptosis in glioma therapy: advancements in sensitizing strategies and the complex tumor-promoting roles. Brain research, 1840, Article 149045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149045

Impact Statement

As a Four Diamonds–supported researcher, Dr. Li’s work offers critical insights into pediatric brain cancers—especially glioblastoma, among the most lethal childhood tumors. Through his investigative work on the Hippo pathway and tumor microenvironment, he moves us closer to identifying new points of intervention, improving outcomes for children battling brain tumors.