The lab theme is to determine how tyrosine kinases, phosphatases and nuclear receptors regulates epigenetic processes that affect cellular homeostasis, immune impairment and cancer cell survival. We employ:
ACK1 (TNK2): Immune modulator and oncogene in prostate, breast & lung cancer
WEE1: A novel epigenetic modulator & its significance in various malignancies
SHP2(PTPN11): Role in prostate cancer and LEOPARD syndrome
Androgen Receptor (AR): Role in castration resistant prostate cancer and immunity
Major findings of our lab include:
- Discovered 4 new epigenetic events:
- Y88-Phosphorylation of histone H4
- Y37-Phosphorylation histone H2B
- Y99-Phosphorylation of histone H3
- Identified a novel lncRNA, NXTAR that regulates AR
- Developed a new class of a small molecule inhibitor for ACK1, (R)-9b
- Identified a novel WEE1 inhibitor
- Identified AKT Tyr176-phosphorylation that causes AKT activation
- Identified novel AR Lys609-acetylation
- Identified a new class of KDM6 inhibitor
Startup
These studies led to establishment of TechnoGenesys, Inc., focusing on ACK1 inhibitor as a new cancer drug.
Current Projects in Lab
- Epigenetic signaling in dampening immune response to tumors
- Characterization of novel WEE1 and KDM6 inhibitors
- LncRNA NXTAR as AR regulator and therapeutic strategy
Graduate Student Opportunities
We are accepting graduate students from DBBS (Cancer Biology, Molecular Genetics & Genomics, Molecular Cell Biology, Human & statistical Genetics) and Dept of Biomedical Engineering. Contact: nupam@wustl.edu
Postdoctoral Opportunities
We are in recruitment drive. Send your CV to: nupam@wustl.edu
Nupam Mahajan, PhD
Department of Surgery Faculty Profile
Professor of Surgery
Endowed Professor of Cancer Research
Director of Urological Research
Contact:
Washington University, St Louis
Email:nupam@wustl.edu
Phone:
Office: 314-273-7727
Lab: 314-273-7759
Fax: 314-272-7771
Funding Sources:
- National Institute of Health (NIH)/NCI
- Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)
- Bankhead-Coley Biomedical Research Program
- Elsa U. Pardee Foundation
- Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)
- Celgene – Committed to improving the lives of patients worldwide