Maureen E. Murphy

Maureen E. Murphy is a Professor of Genetics and Deputy Director of the Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center at The Wistar Institute. Her research focuses on tumor suppressor proteins p53 and p14ARF, with implications for understanding ethnic disparities in cancer risk and developing novel cancer therapies.

• B.Sc. in Biochemistry from Rutgers University (1987)
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania (1993)

Dr. Murphy’s work investigates how genetic polymorphisms in p53 affect apoptosis and cancer susceptibility, particularly in African American populations. She also explores targeting autophagy via HSP70 inhibitors (e.g., PET-16) to selectively eradicate tumor cells. Her publications highlight structural studies of HSP70, regulation of pro-apoptotic genes (e.g., TRIML2), and mechanisms of autophagy induction (e.g., ARF domain analysis).

Her recent articles emphasize small molecule inhibitors for cancer therapy, structural analysis of chaperone proteins, and genetic regulation of apoptosis and autophagy. These studies integrate molecular biology, pharmacology, and cancer therapy to address tumor cell survival mechanisms.

Laboratory & Collaborations: Dr. Murphy leads the Murphy Lab at The Wistar Institute, focusing on molecular oncology and drug development for cancer treatment.