Dr. Nikolaos Koundouros, a postdoctoral associate at Weill Cornell Medicine, has been honored with the 2025 Tri-Institutional Breakout Award for Junior Investigators, recognizing his work in nutrition, metabolism, and cancer biology.
Dr. Koundouros's research focuses on how dietary nutrients, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3, impact molecular pathways in breast cancer, specifically triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
His findings, published in Science, reveal how linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, accelerates tumor growth in TNBC through specific molecular mechanisms, shedding light on the role of dietary components in cancer biology.
By integrating nutritional science with molecular oncology, Dr. Koundouros's work suggests tailored dietary interventions could enhance breast cancer treatment, especially for subtypes lacking effective therapies.
His research extends beyond oncology to explore the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes, aiming to uncover new therapeutic pathways for chronic illnesses.
Dr. Koundouros's approach combines biochemical, molecular, and clinical insights, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration to translate laboratory findings into clinical applications.
The Tri-Institutional Breakout Award supports Dr. Koundouros's future research, intending to decode cellular nutrient sensing mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases.
Recognized alongside other awardees at a symposium, Dr. Koundouros's work represents a forward-looking blend of scientific innovation, patient-centered care, and translational research in cancer biology.
His contributions underscore the potential for dietary interventions and metabolic modulation to improve patient outcomes, redefine cancer management paradigms, and shape future biomedical research.
Dr. Nikolaos Koundouros's research exemplifies a convergence of technology, molecular biology, and clinical relevance, offering novel insights into cancer progression and potential therapeutic avenues for personalized treatment.