Malcolm Whitman

Malcolm Whitman is a Professor of Developmental Biology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and an affiliate member of Harvard Medical School’s Department of Cell Biology. He serves as Associate Dean for Basic Science Research at HSDM. Whitman earned his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Harvard University, studying phosphatidylinositol kinases under Lew Cantley, and conducted postdoctoral research on embryonic signaling with Doug Melton. His lab focuses on TGFβ superfamily signaling mechanisms, metabolic sensor pathways (e.g., halofuginone’s anti-inflammatory effects via amino acid response), and developmental patterning. Major affiliations include the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Dana-Farber Cancer Center’s Cancer Cell Biology Program.

Research interests span TGFβ signaling in development and disease, metabolic regulation of inflammation, and therapeutic applications. Whitman leads NIH-funded projects on nutrient-sensing pathways, bone development, and halofuginone’s mechanism. His work bridges developmental biology, cell signaling, and translational medicine.

Grants include roles as Principal Investigator on NIH grants for nutrient-sensing pathways (R21AI142343), secreted tyrosine kinases (R01GM115417), and bone repair (R01AR066717). Notable publications explore halofuginone’s effects, Vlk kinase function, and TGFβ signaling in embryogenesis. He collaborates widely, including on malaria drug targets and inflammatory disease therapies.