blake_rushing@unc.edu
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Blake Rushing, PhD
Assistant Professor of Nutrition

Blake Rushing, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Nutrition Research Institute (NRI), where his lab applies multi-omics approaches to investigate the metabolic mechanisms underlying cancer and other chronic, age-related diseases. His research leverages analytical chemistry techniques such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to study how nutrient metabolism can inform disease progression, therapy resistance mechanisms, and biomarker development.

Currently, Dr. Rushing is leading pan-cancer projects that integrate metabolomics and other omics data (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics) to identify dysregulation of nutrient metabolism that is both common and unique across cancer types, and how this is linked to one’s genetic features. These efforts aim to advance precision oncology by uncovering new pharmacological and nutritional strategies for cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

Dr. Rushing also serves as the Associate Director of NRI’s Metabolomics and Exposome Laboratory (MEL), where he supports single and multi-omics precision health projects as part of major NIH-funded initiatives, including the Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource (HHEAR) and Nutrition for Precision Health (NPH) programs. In this role, he also supports many additional metabolomics projects internal and external to UNC.

Dr. Rushing earned a BS in Chemistry from Catawba College and a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from East Carolina University. Dr. Rushing is also a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and holds and adjunct appointment in UNC’s Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine.

Rushing’s Team

In the News

Understanding How a Common Food Toxin Affects the Body

Understanding How a Common Food Toxin Affects the Body

Feb 28, 2025

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a harmful mycotoxin produced by certain fungi and commonly found in staple foods like rice, corn, wheat, and nuts. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), mycotoxin contamination affects up to 25% of...

Publications

2025

Non-redundant roles for paralogous proteins in the yeast glucose-sensing pathway

Association of metabolomics measurements with blood cell phenotypes

Sex Modifies Metabolic Pathways Associated with Lipids in Untargeted Metabolomics: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study, 2005-2006

Probing the metabolic regulator and candidate tumor suppressor ALDH1L1 as a target for non-small cell lung cancer gene therapy

Differential Expression of One-Carbon Pathway Enzyme ALDH1L1 Is Linked to Tumorigenicity of Low-Grade Bladder Cancer Cells Through Metabolic Reprogramming

Multi-omics signature of healthy versus unhealthy lifestyles reveals associations with diseases

Selective Influence of Hemp Fiber Ingestion on Post-Exercise Gut Permeability: A Metabolomics-Based Analysis

Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Acylcarnitines as Major Metabolic Targets of Resveratrol in Breast Cancer Cells

Impact of prenatal phthalate exposure on newborn metabolome and infant neurodevelopment

An untargeted metabolomic analysis of acute AFB1 treatment in liver, breast, and lung cells

2024

Untargeted metabolomics reveal signatures of a healthy lifestyle

Further delineation of the phenotypic and metabolomic profile of ALDH1L2-related neurodevelopmental disorder

Maternal Serum Metabolomics in Mid-Pregnancy Identifies Lipid Pathways as a Key Link to Offspring Obesity in Early Childhood

A Multiomics Evaluation of the Countermeasure Influence of 4-Week Cranberry Beverage Supplementation on Exercise-Induced Changes in Innate Immunity

Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Dysregulation of Glycine- and Serine-Coupled Metabolic Pathways in an ALDH1L1-Dependent Manner In Vivo

2023

Rushing BR. Multi-omics analysis of NCI-60 cell line data reveals novel metabolic processes linked with resistance to alkylating anti-cancer agents. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023. Under Review 

Rushing BR, Thessen AE, Soliman G, Armandla R, Sumner S. The exposome and nutritional pharmacology and toxicology. Exposome. 2023. Under Review 

Rajasekar AK, Miller GM, Motsinger-Reif A, Cui Y, Walker D, Makris K, Jarmusch A, Rushing BR, Juarez P, Hood D, Ramesh A, Mouton C, Soliman G, Chung MK. Establishing a Community of Practice for Exposomics. Exposome. 2023. Under Review

Rushing BR, Molina S, Sumner S. Untargeted metabolomics reveals mechanisms of acquired doxorubicin resistance in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Metabolites. 2023. 13(7), 865. 

Lynch DH†, Rushing BR†, Pathmasiri W, McRitchie S, Batchek DJ, Petersen CL, Gross S, Sumner S, Batsis J. Baseline Serum Biomarkers Predict Response to a Weight Loss Intervention in Older Adults with Obesity: A Pilot Study. Metabolites. 2023. 13(7), 853. 

†Authors contributed equally to this work

Emily MJ Fennell*, Lucas J Aponte-Collazo, Wimal Pathmasiri, Blake R Rushing, Natalie K Barker, Megan C Partridge, Yuan-Yuan Li, Yoshimi Endo Greer, Laura E Herring, Stan Lipkowitz, Susan Jenkins Sumner, Edwin J Iwanowicz, Lee M Graves. Multi-omics Analyses Reveal ClpP Activators Disrupt Essential Mitochondrial Pathways in Triple-negative Breast Cancer. Frontiers Pharmacology. 2023. 14:1136317. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1136317.  

Taibli KR, Dunlop AL, Barr DB, Li Y, Eick S, Kannan K, Ryan PB, Schroder M, Rushing BR, Fennell T, Chang C, Tan Y, Marsit C, Jones DP, Liang D. Newborn Metabolomic Signatures of Maternal Serum Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Levels and Reduced Length of Gestation: A Prospective Analysis in the Atlanta African American Maternal-Child Cohort. Nature Communications. 14(1):3120. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-38710-3. 

Rushing BR, Wiggs A*, Molina S, Schroder M, Sumner S. Metabolomics analysis reveals novel targets of chemosensitizing polyphenols and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in triple negative breast cancer cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2023,24(5):4406. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054406 

2022

Rushing BR, Fogle HM, Sharma J, You M, McCormac JP, Molina S, Sumner S, Krupenko NI, Krupenko SA. Exploratory Metabolomics Underscores the Folate Enzyme ALDH1L1 as a Regulator of Glycine and Methylation Reactions. Molecules. 2022 Dec 1;27(23):8394. doi: 10.3390/molecules27238394. PMID: 36500483; PMCID: PMC9740053. 

Rushing, B.R. †; Tilley, S.*†; Molina, S.; Schroder, M.; Sumner, S. Commonalities in Metabolic Reprogramming between Tobacco Use and Oral Cancer. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 10261. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610261 

†Authors contributed equally to this work

Strom S, McDonald S, Remchak M, Kew K, Rushing BR, Houmard J, Tulis D, Pawlak R, Kelley G, Chasan-Taber, Newton E, Isler C, DeVente J, Raper M, May L. 2022. Maternal Aerobic Exercise, But Not Blood DHA, and EPA Concentrations, Influence Infant Body Composition. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8293; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148293 

Sharma J†, Rushing BR†, Hall M, Helke K, McRitchie S, Krupenko N, Sumner S, Krupenko S. 2022. Sex-specific metabolic effects of dietary folate withdrawal in wild type and Aldh1l1 knockout mice. Metabolites. 12(5):454. doi: 10.3390/metabo12050454 

†Authors contributed equally to this work

Wiggs A*, Molina S, Sumner S, Rushing BR. 2022. A Review of Metabolic Targets of Anticancer Nutrients and Nutraceuticals in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Nutrients. 2022 May 10;14(10):1990. doi: 10.3390/nu14101990. 

Strom, C.J.; McDonald, S.M.; Remchak, M.-M.; Kew, K.A.; Rushing, B.R.; Houmard, J.A.; Tulis, D.A.; Pawlak, R.; Kelley, G.A.; Chasan-Taber, L.; Newton, E.; Isler, C.; DeVente, J.; Raper, M.; May, L.E. 2022. The Influence of Maternal Aerobic Exercise, Blood DHA and EPA Concentrations on Maternal Lipid Profiles. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 19, 3550. 

Rushing, B.R.; Schroder, M.; Sumner, S.C.J. Comparison of Lysis and Detachment Sample Preparation Methods for Cultured Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Using UHPLC–HRMS-Based Metabolomics. Metabolites 2022, 12, 168. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12020168 

Murphy, Molly J.*, Rushing, Blake R., Sumner, Susan J., & Hackney. Anthony C. 2022. Dietary Supplements for Athletic Performance in Women: Beta-Alanine, Caffeine, and Nitrate. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2021-0176. Selected for issue’s featured Open Access article. 

Walters DM, Al-Khulafi NM, Rushing BR, Selim MI. 2022. Respiratory and cardiovascular effects of ambient particulate matter from dust storm and non-dust storm periods in Kuwait. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. 19, 1071-1074. 

Li S, Li Y, Rushing BR, Harris SE, McRitchie SL, Jones JC, Dominguez D, Sumner SJ, Dohlman HG. 2022. Multi-omics analysis of multiple glucose-sensing receptor systems in yeast. Biomolecules. 12(2). 175. 

Li YY†, Rushing BR†, Schroder M, Sumner S, Kay CD. 2022. Exploring the Contribution of (Poly)phenols to the Dietary Exposome using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Untargeted Metabolomics. Mol Nutr Food Res. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.202100922.  

†Authors contributed equally to this work

2021

Rushing BR, McRitchie S, Arbeeva L, Nelson AE, Azcarate-Peril MA, Li YY, Qian Y*, Pathmasiri W, Sumner SCJ, Loeser RF. 2022. Fecal metabolomics reveals products of dysregulated proteolysis and altered microbial metabolism in obesity-related osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. Jan;30(1):81-91. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2021.10.006.

Li, S., Li, Y., Rushing, B. R., McRitchie, S. L., Jones, J. C., Sumner, S. J., and Dohlman, H. G. 2021. Multi-omics analysis of glucose-mediated signaling by a moonlighting Gb protein Asc1/RACK1. PLOS Genetics. 17(7). e1009640. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009640. PMID: 34214075; PMCID: PMC8282090 

2020

Rushing BR, Rohlik D, Roy S, Skaff DA, Garcia, BL. Targeting the Initiator Protease of the Classical Pathway of Complement Using Fragment-Based Drug Discovery. 2020. Molecules. 25(17): 4016.

Polli JR, Rushing BR, Lish L, Lewis L, Selim MI, Pan X. 2020. Quantitative analysis of PAH compounds in DWH crude oil and their effects on Caenorhabditis elegans germ cell apoptosis, associated with CYP450s upregulation. Science of the Total Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140639 Online ahead of print.

Mamillapalli S, Smith-Joyner A, Forbes L, McIntyre K, Poppenfuse S, Rushing B, Strom C, Danell A, May L, Kuehn D, Kew K, Ravisankar S. 2020. Screening for Opioid and Stimulant Exposure in Utero via Targeted and Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis of Umbilical Cords. Ther Drug Monit. doi: 10.1097/FTD.0000000000000753. Online ahead of print.

 

2019

Rushing AW, Rushing BR, Hoang K, Sanders SV, Peloponese JM, Polakowsi N, Lemasson I. 2019. HTLV-1 basic leucine zipper factor protects cells from oxidative stress by upregulating expression of Heme Oxygenase I. PLoS Pathogens. 15(6). e1007922

 

2018

Rushing BR, Selim MI. 2018. Aflatoxin B1: A review on metabolism, toxicity, occurrence in food, occupational exposure, and detoxification methods. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 124. 81-100.

Rushing BR, Selim MI. 2018. Adduction to arginine detoxifies aflatoxin B1 by eliminating genotoxicity and altering toxicokinetic properties. Oncotarget. 9(4): 4559-4570.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

Rushing BR, Selim MI. 2017. Structure and oxidation of pyrrole adducts formed between aflatoxin B2a and biological amines. Chem Res Toxicol. 30(6): 1275-1285.

Starr JM, Rushing BR, Selim MI. 2017. Solvent-dependent transformation of aflatoxin B1 in soil. Mycotoxin Res. 33(3): 197-205.

 

2016

Rushing BR, Qing H, Franklin JN, McMahen R, Dagnino S, Higgins CP, Strynar MJ, DeWitt JC. 2016. Evaluation of the immunomodulatory effects of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)-propanoate in C57BL/6 mice. Tox Sci. 156(1): 179-189.

Rushing BR, Selim MI. 2016. Effect of dietary acids on the formation of aflatoxin B2a as a means to detoxify aflatoxin B1. Food Addit Contam Part A. 33(9): 1456-1467.

Rushing B, Wooten A, Shawky M, Selim MI. 2016. Comparison of LC–MS and GC–MS for the Analysis of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Surface Water and Treated Waste waters. Current Trends in Mass Spectrometry, a supplement to LCGC North Am., LCGC Europe, and Spectroscopy. 14(3): 8-14.