Research in the Roberts laboratory is centered on kinases, kinase inhibitors, and cancer. We work in a variety of model systems and utilize approaches varying from systems biology to mouse genetics. For instance, we have adapted telomerase immortalized breast and prostate epithelial cells to take a systems approach to kinases and phosphatases. For years we have been working with Novartis to develop kinase inhibitors, and we use these extensively in our model systems. Working with the lab of Jean Zhao, we have utilized the first kinome-wide libraries of activated kinases to seek mechanisms of inhibitor resistance. We also have drilled down on several key signaling molecules, which we have shown to lie downstream from activated tyrosine kinases. Our current work centers on PI3 kinases and their inhibitors. In addition to working to understand the PI3 kinase pathway in greater detail in epithelial cells, we have generated conditional mouse knock out models of the key p110 isoforms as well as transgenic mice expressing activated alleles of p110s to study the involvement of the various PI3K isoforms in development, aging and cancer.  Our most recent thrust is targeted at understanding how PTEN loss activates the p110 beta isoform of PI3K, and utilizing this information to design improved therapies for PTEN null human tumors.