Steven B. McMahon, PhD
Professor & Chair
Senior Associate Dean for Basic Science Research, SKMC
Senior Associate Provost for Programmatic Science, Thomas Jefferson University
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Steven B. McMahon, PhD
Professor & Chair
Senior Associate Dean for Basic Science Research, SKMC
Senior Associate Provost for Programmatic Science, Thomas Jefferson University
Expertise & Research Interests
Our group has a longstanding interest in understanding the biochemical events that are deregulated to cause alterations in broad transcriptional programs in human cancer. As such, our research focuses on the two most commonly mutated transcription factors, MYC and p53, that are critical to cancer progression. We are currently focused on defining precisely how MYC and p53 are regulated in cancer cells, how the transcription programs they control are altered in cancer, and ultimately what essential cellular processes are impacted by these changes. Collectively, these studies have identified previously unknown nodes in these pathways that may represent potential therapeutic targets.
Current Research Projects
- Understand the role of altered mitochondrial transcription in the ability of MYC to reprogram cellular metabolism during malignant transformation.
- Identify the mechanism by which post-translational modifications control the ability of the p53 tumor suppressor to selectively activate distinct transcriptomes.
- Define the contribution of genetic lesions in subunits of the human SAGA coactivator complex to human cancer.
Education
PhD, Immunology, University of Pennsylvania
MS, Physiology, Temple University
BS, Biology, Albright College
Most Recent Peer-Reviewed Publications
- Non-redundant roles for the human mRNA decapping cofactor paralogs DCP1a and DCP1b
- ARID1A-BAF coordinates ZIC2 genomic occupancy for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cranial neural crest specification
- A β-Catenin-TCF-Sensitive Locus Control Region Mediates GUCY2C Ligand Loss in Colorectal Cancer
- Distinct mechanisms control genome recognition by p53 at its target genes linked to different cell fates
- The SAGA complex regulates early steps in transcription via its deubiquitylase module subunit USP22
University Appointments
Chair, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - 2017
Senior Associate Provost, Programmatic Science
Vice Chair, Cancer Biology
Deputy Director, Basic Science
Associate Professor, Cancer Biology - 2006
Associate Dean, Basic Science Research
Awards & Achievements
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Mentorship Award
- Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust Catalyst Award
- Gertrude Elion Award, American Association for Cancer Research
- Special Fellow Award, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
- Research Scholar Award, American Cancer Society
- Scholar Award, V Foundation for Cancer Research