Expertise

The Quilliam lab is interested in delineating signal transduction pathways induced by growth-stimulatory factors, and in determining the mechanisms by which these pathways are aberrantly activated during the course of malignant transformation. Many of the genes that become mutated in human cancers encode for mitogenic signaling proteins. Characterization of the enzymes and protein-protein interactions involved in mitogenic signaling forms the basis for the rational design of novel anti-cancer therapeutics.

Much of the focus of Dr. Quilliam’s research is centered on Ras family GTPases and the pathways they control. Ras proteins normally act as molecular switches to relay growth stimulatory signals but become constitutively activated in many cancers, leading to uncontrolled proliferation.

Communities
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Oncology, Cellular Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry
Degrees
PhD, University of Sheffield, Biochemistry, 1986
BS, University of Manchester, Biochemistry, 1983
Keywords
cancer or carcinogenesis proteins and macromolecules biochemistry & molecular biology signal transduction
Honors

Editorial Board Member, Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2000-2005