M. R. Makena

The Endosomal pH Regulator NHE6 is Required for Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Adipocytes

This study shows that NHE6 is essential for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes by regulating GLUT4 trafficking and expression.

The Endosomal pH Regulator NHE9 is a Driver of Stemness in Glioblastoma

This paper identifies NHE9 as a driver of stemness in glioblastoma by showing it increases receptor tyrosine kinase stability and activates JAK2-STAT3 to induce pluripotency genes.

ALT Neuroblastoma Chemoresistance due to ATM Activation by Telomere Dysfunction is Reversible with the ATM Inhibitor AZD0156

This study shows that ATM activation due to telomere dysfunction causes chemoresistance in ALT neuroblastoma, which can be reversed by the ATM inhibitor AZD0156.

Epigenetic Modulation of SPCA2 Reverses Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer Cells

This study shows that histone deacetylase inhibitors increase SPCA2 levels, activate Ca2+ signaling, and reverse epithelial to mesenchymal transition in triple receptor negative breast cancer cells.

Store Independent Ca2+ Entry Regulates the DNA Damage Response in Breast Cancer Cells

This study identifies SPCA2 as a driver of chemotherapy resistance in ER+/p53WT breast cancer by suppressing the DNA damage response through store-independent Ca2+ entry.

A Ca2+-ATPase Regulates E-cadherin Biogenesis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer Cells

This study identifies SPCA2 as a regulator of E-cadherin biogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer, independent of its Ca2+ pump activity.