Alexander C. Drohat

Dr. Alexander C. Drohat is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research focuses on DNA repair mechanisms and epigenetic regulation through DNA methylation, with particular emphasis on thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) and its role in maintaining genomic integrity and protecting against cancer.

Dr. Drohat received his BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland, followed by a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, NIST and Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology.

His laboratory investigates how enzymes find and repair DNA lesions through biochemical, biophysical, structural, and molecular approaches. Key research areas include DNA repair mechanisms (particularly TDG and MBD4 enzymes), active DNA demethylation pathways involving oxidation of 5-methylcytosine, and regulation of TDG through SUMO modification. His work has established that TDG rapidly excises 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine, revealing critical mechanisms for epigenetic regulation.

Analysis of his recent publications shows consistent focus on nucleotide flipping dynamics, enzyme kinetics of DNA repair proteins, structural characterization of DNA-protein interactions, and regulatory mechanisms involving post-translational modifications. His research bridges fundamental biochemical mechanisms with implications for cancer biology and developmental processes.

• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2022)
• R35 MIRA Award, National Institute General Medical Sciences (2020-2025)
• Member, NIH Molecular Genetics A (MGA) study section (2018-2022)
• Member, DNA Mechanism in Cancer Peer Review Committee, American Cancer Society (2011-2015)

Dr. Drohat's laboratory has been continuously supported by NIH funding since 2005, currently through R35GM136225 (Mechanisms of BER in Genomic Integrity and Epigenetic Regulation). His work on TDG's role in excising oxidized bases and epigenetic marks has provided foundational insights connecting DNA repair to epigenetic regulation, with implications for understanding cancer development and embryonic processes. His laboratory maintains extensive collaborations and employs cutting-edge techniques including NMR spectroscopy to investigate molecular mechanisms of DNA maintenance.