Paul S. Shapiro, PhD
Director, Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program

Dr, Shapiro's research is focused on the regulation and function of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) proteins during cell cycle control. The ERK proteins are essential for many basic physiological functions including cell proliferation and differentiation. However, over-activation of the ERK proteins is involved in many pathophysiological conditions such as cancer, asthma, and neurodegenerative disorders. Our laboratory is particularly interested in understanding how ERK regulates cell proliferation during mitotic progression. Studies underway are examining the role of aberrant ERK activity in regulating chromosome segregation and genomic instability. In addition, projects include the development of ERK inhibitors that target unique docking domains and can be used to selectively disrupt ERK regulation of substrates involved in disease.