Dan A. Dixon

Dan A. Dixon is a Professor and Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where his research focuses on post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanisms in cancer pathogenesis.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. from Northwestern University
• B.A. from Augustana University

Dr. Dixon's research centers on RNA-binding proteins (notably HuR and tristetraprolin) and their role in destabilizing oncogenic mRNA networks. His laboratory investigates how dysregulation of these post-transcriptional controllers permits overexpression of tumor-promoting genes involved in proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Key focus areas include colorectal cancer mechanisms, autophagy regulation via Rab27B, stress granule dynamics in mutant p53 contexts, and extracellular vesicle-mediated tumor microenvironment activation.

Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals intensifying work on XPO1 inhibition for colorectal cancer chemoprevention, Rab27B-autophagy axis characterization, and mutant p53 vulnerabilities. His studies consistently employ molecular techniques, mouse models (APC^Min/+), and translational approaches to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Dr. Dixon maintains active laboratory facilities at WPRCI 947 and 951, directing research that bridges fundamental RNA biology with clinical oncology applications. His leadership in community outreach complements his bench-to-bedside research philosophy.