Kevin Tharp studies the interplay between mitochondrial metabolism and the physical properties of the tumor microenvironment, using genetically engineered mouse models and bioengineered human tumor models to define the mitochondrial programming unique to cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment.
His goal is to develop new therapies that block the metabolic adaptations that cancer cells use to metastasize, a major cause of cancer-associated mortality.
“I study how cells make decisions about their metabolic programming, which I expect will enable us to develop new therapeutics against metastatic tumor cells.”
Tharp previously worked as a postdoctoral scholar in the Center for Bioengineering & Tissue Regeneration at UCSF Health.
He completed his PhD in metabolic biology at UC Berkeley and his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at UC Santa Cruz, where he graduated with honors and the Dean’s Award in Chemistry.
He has received meritorious funding awards from the Sandler Foundation and the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute for his postdoctoral research.
Phenomena or Processes
Actin Cytoskeleton, Adipocyte Differentiation, Aging, Apoptosis and Cell Death, Cancer Biology, Cancer Metabolism, Cancer-Associated Glycans, Cell Adhesion and Migration, Cell Differentiation, Cell Signaling, Combinatorial Therapies, Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns, Extracellular Matrix, Glycosylation, Inflammation, Innate Immunity, Integrins, Metabolic Networks, Mitochondrial Biology, Organic/Synthetic/Medicinal Chemistry, Tumor Microenvironment, Tumorigenesis
Anatomical Systems and Sites
Adipose Tissue, General Cell Biology, Immune System and Inflammation, Mammary Gland, Vasculature
Research Models
C. elegans, Human, Human Cell Lines, Mouse, Mouse Cell Lines, Primary Cells
Nov 4, 2024The implastic nature of plastic culture
Nov 4, 2024There is an art (and science) to creating cell culture models that reflect the complexities of disease.
Oct 31, 2024Raising awareness of breast cancer research at Sanford Burnham Prebys
Oct 31, 2024The October Science Connect Series event was themed around Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Jun 4, 2024How tumor stiffness alters immune cell behavior to escape destruction
Jun 4, 2024Immunotherapy is based on harnessing a person’s own immune system to attack cancer cells. However, patients with certain tumors do…
Mar 25, 2024Seminar Series: extrachromosomal DNA and the metabolic circuits of cancer immune suppression
Mar 25, 2024The ongoing Sanford Burnham Prebys seminar series will feature a pair of speakers on March 27, from noon to 1p.m.,…
Dec 18, 2023When tumors manipulate their mitochondria, Kevin Tharp will be there to stop them
Dec 18, 2023Newly arrived at Sanford Burnham Prebys, Tharp will look at how cellular mechanics can be leveraged to create more effective…
Nov 2, 2023La Jolla’s Sanford Burnham Prebys adding six scientists in hopes of launching new era of collaboration
Nov 2, 2023San Diego Union-Tribune