Dr. Zhu's laboratory focuses on lipid metabolism and its role in regulating adipose tissue function and inter-organ communication in obesity, diabetes, and related cancers. Our research has provided key insights into adipocyte physiology, adipocyte–tumor interactions, beta cell function, and the mechanisms underlying liver steatosis and fibrosis. We employ state-of-the-art approaches in molecular genetics, biochemistry, and multi-omics to dissect these processes. A central focus of our work is understanding the molecular mechanisms of lipotoxicity, particularly ceramide dysregulation, and the downstream signaling pathways that drive metabolic dysfunction in obesity and associated diseases. Our long-term goal is to identify and validate therapeutic targets within these pathways to mitigate metabolic disease and inhibit cancer progression.