Skip to main content

The Manning lab is defining the molecular connections between nutrient signaling and metabolic networks under both physiological and pathological states. Lab researchers are particularly focused on the role of the PI3K-mTOR signaling network in the control of cellular and systemic metabolism and its impact on the insulin response, type-2 diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders, and aging.

Phone 617-432-5615
Location

665 Huntington Ave
Building 2, Rm. 127 
Boston, MA 02115 

People

The Manning Lab thrives on the diverse expertise of its members and alumni, each integral to our research on signaling and metabolism. Our team uses a multidisciplinary approach to define the interface between cellular signaling and metabolic regulation in health and disease, aiming to develop new strategies to prevent and treat diseases like cancer and type-2 diabetes. The dedication and collaborative spirit of our lab drive forward our mission to reveal fundamental mechanisms linking signaling networks to metabolic networks.

Principal Investigator

Brendan Manning, PhD

Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Affiliate Professor of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School
Member of the Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center

Research Associates

Yann Cormerais, PhD

Research Associate: 
2023 –
Postdoctoral Fellow:
2017 – 2023
Education:
Ph.D., 2016, University of Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
Research Interest:
Yann is interested in defining the in vivo role of PI3K-mTORC1 signaling in mammalian growth and metabolism.

Postdoctoral Fellows

Madi Cissé, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow:
2020 –
Education:
B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology, 2013, University of Montpellier II
M.S, Bio-Medical Research, 2015, University of Montpellier II: Control of the cell fate -Cancer
Ph.D., 2019, University of Montpellier
Research Interest:
Madi is interested in how signaling processes can control metabolic pathways and particularly how cancer cells can regulate their metabolism through these molecular mechanisms.

Krystle Kalafut, PhD

Doctoral Student:
2019 – 2023
Education:
Ph.D., 2023, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
B.S., 2015, University of Pittsburgh
Research Interest:
Krystle is interested in understanding how the mTOR signaling network is regulated by nutrient availability and dietary conditions, and how this impacts cellular and systemic metabolism in healthy organisms, as well as in metabolic disease and aging. I am also interested in dissecting the tissue-specific roles of mTOR signaling.

Josh Shin, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow:
2023 –
Education:
Ph.D., 2022, New York University Grossman School of Medicine
M.S., 2016, New York University Grossman School of Medicine
B.S., 2011, University of California, Berkeley
Research Interests:
Generally, interested in understanding the fundamental mechanisms of modern human diseases. Specifically, interested in the role of metabolic homeostasis in the initiation and progression of diseases such as cancer and depression.

Khaled Tighanimine

Postdoctoral Fellow:
2024 –
Education:
Ph.D., Paris Cité University – 2023
M.S., Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sorbonne University, Paris – 2019
B.S., Life Sciences, Sorbonne University, Paris – 2017
Research Interests:
Khaled is interested in understanding how the different branches of the lipid metabolism are coordinated in health and disease, with a focus on cancer and senescence.

Doctoral Students

Samuel Lapp

Doctoral Student:
2020 –
Education:
M.S., 2020, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
B.S., 2018, Tulane University
Research Interest:
Samuel focuses on discovering the mechanisms underlying how skeletal muscle balances protein and carbohydrate metabolism to contribute to overall metabolic homeostasis. Specifically, he is investigating how the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) subunit 2 (TSC2) acts as a switchboard to balance upstream signals such as insulin into outputs such as protein synthesis and glucose uptake and storage. By studying this pathway in skeletal muscle, we may uncover treatments for disorders in skeletal muscle function as well as broader metabolic disorders.

Research Assistant

Pratima Niroula

Research Assistant:
2023 –
Education:
B.A., 2023, Smith College, Neuroscience
Research Interests:
Interested in understanding the roles of signaling pathways, particularly the mTOR signaling network, so as to develop therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases and cancer.

Faculty Assistant

Tom Kelleher

Manning Lab Administrative Coordinator:
2020 –
Education:
B.S. Music and Theatrical Performance, 2008, Muhlenberg College
M.F.A. in Theater Education from Emerson College
Objective Focus:
Faculty Assistant to Dr. Manning and coordinator for the Department of Molecular Metabolism