Internal Medicine

The Maher lab is an integrated team of experimental and computational biologists focused on translating genome-based discoveries into the clinic. Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving metastatic progression and treatment resistance in cancer. To accomplish this, our lab combines the analysis of large-scale '-omics' data with molecular biology, cellular biology, and biochemistry.

Research keywords: Bioinformatics; Cancer genomics; Noncoding RNAs

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As a curiosity-driven cancer biology lab, we are interested in dissecting the mechanisms of novel cancer targets with the overarching goal of improving patient outcome. Currently, a major research theme of the lab is genome integrity maintenance with specific focus on two multi-functional proteins, actin-binding factor Profilin-1 and AAA+ ATPase p97/VCP. Our recent work uncovered novel functions of nuclear Profilin-1 and p97/VCP in DNA replication fork dynamics and stability, transcriptional control, and cell cycle checkpoint. It is our ultimate goal to leverage mechanistic insights from such studies to unveil or create “Achilles heels” of cancer cells for more effective treatments.

Research keywords: cancer biology; genome integrity maintenance; chemotherapy resistance

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