Mark Andrake

Mark Andrake is an Assistant Research Professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. His research focuses on the structural and biochemical mechanisms of retroviral integrases, particularly in HIV and avian sarcoma virus, with implications for antiviral therapeutics and cancer.

Education:

• Postdoctoral Fellow, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA (1994)
• PhD, Molecular Genetics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC (1991)
• BS, Biochemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA (1982)
• Advanced Proton Source Training, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL

Dr. Andrake's research spans retrovirology, structural biology, and computational modeling. His lab investigates the early events of retroviral infection, focusing on integrase structure, multimerization, and host-virus interactions such as the restriction factor Daxx. He employs X-ray crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering, and computational tools to study integrase-DNA complexes (intasomes) and screen for allosteric inhibitors. He also leads the Molecular Modeling Facility at Fox Chase, supporting cancer research through structural analysis of missense mutations in tumor genomes.

His recent publications reflect a strong focus on integrase biochemistry, multimerization, and structural determination. Trends include the use of biophysical and computational methods to understand retroviral integration, with applications in drug development and personalized cancer medicine.

Scientific Awards:

• Principal Investigator, Awarded Two SAXS General User Proposals with beam time, APS, Argonne National Labs (2010)
• NIH Individual Postdoctoral National Research Service Award (1992)
• NCI Postdoctoral Trainee Award (1991)
• First Prize, PhD Poster Presentation, MUSC Student Research Day (1989)
• First Prize, PhD Oral Presentation, MUSC Student Research Day (1988)
• Elected Student Representative, Medical University of South Carolina (1986)
• Graduate Assistantship, Medical University of South Carolina (1985)
• Member, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society (1981)

Dr. Andrake has advised several postdoctoral associates and undergraduate researchers. He has secured research funding through beam time awards and institutional support. His lab collaborates with both basic and clinical investigators, particularly in cancer genomics. The Molecular Modeling Facility has contributed to research in epigenetics, kinase inhibition, nucleosome regulation, and cancer mutation analysis.

Lab and Team: The Andrake Lab includes Dr. Yu Chung Chang (Postdoctoral Associate), George Merkel (Scientific Associate), Zaigham Khan (Postdoctoral Associate), and Taryn Serman (Summer Undergraduate Fellow). The team works on integrase structure, host interactions, and computational modeling, with strong ties to the Fox Chase Molecular Modeling Facility and translational research initiatives.