Jeff Perry Lab

Research Lab Overview

The Perry Lab at City of Hope^® focuses on the rational design of next‑generation therapeutics for cancer and metabolic disease by integrating structural biology, chemical biology and translational drug discovery. Our research centers on fundamental mechanisms of genome maintenance and cellular stress responses, with particular emphasis on protein platforms that coordinate DNA repair, DNA replication and signaling under oncogenic pressure. By combining X‑ray crystallography with biophysical and biochemical assays, the lab aims to uncover vulnerabilities in cancer cells that can be exploited through the development of small‑molecule therapies for precision medicine.

A defining feature of the laboratory is its strong translational orientation, leveraging structure‑based drug discovery, fragment‑based lead discovery, covalent inhibitor design and the development of chemical tools to interrogate protein function. Bench‑based discoveries are pursued with a clear line of sight toward therapeutic development at City of Hope, emphasizing clinical relevance and real‑world impact. We place a high priority on rigorous mechanistic validation, interdisciplinary collaboration and the transformation of complex biological insights into drug‑like chemical matter. This approach reflects the lab’s broader mission to move beyond descriptive biology and deliver deeply mechanistic, therapeutically tractable solutions for cancer and metabolic disease patients, while training the next generation of scientists fluent in both fundamental science and applied biomedical innovation.

Highlights

We are particularly interested in protein systems that act as integrative hubs — points where multiple stress‑response, repair, and signaling pathways converge — creating opportunities for highly selective therapeutic intervention. Our research is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), the National Institutes of Health (R01), and internal programs at City of Hope, including Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute and Integrated Drug Development Venture.
The laboratory maintains active collaborations with:

• Robert Hickey, Ph.D., and Linda Malkas, Ph.D., on PCNA‑targeted therapeutics, including an investigational new drug that has advanced to clinical trials
• Wendong Huang, Ph.D., on a novel therapeutic target for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
• Rama Natarajan, Ph.D., and Nagarajan Vaidehi, Ph.D., on structure‑guided therapeutic strategies for type 1 diabetes and late‑stage type 2 diabetes
   

Career Opportunities 

The Perry Lab seeks self-directed, collaborative scientists who are motivated by mechanistic discovery and committed to translational impact. We value rigor, accountability, and sustained focus within a demanding research environment, and we welcome individuals dedicated to contributing meaningfully to team-based science and human health.

• Postdoctoral research fellow opening
• Research associate opening (in process)