Michael McManus

Michael McManus is a Professor at the University of California San Francisco specializing in gene regulation and functional genomics. His lab develops innovative high-throughput technologies combining complex libraries with deep sequencing to study gene function across diverse disease models including cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders.

• B.S. in Horticultural Science from Auburn University (1991)
• Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics from University of Alabama at Birmingham (2000)
• Postdoctoral training in Small RNA Biology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2004)

Research focuses on RNA biology, regulatory networks, and CRISPR screening technologies. Current projects investigate:

• CRISPR-based dissection of gene regulatory dark matter
• MicroRNA roles in cancer progression and immunology
• Intercellular communication via extracellular RNA
• Mechanisms of collagen homeostasis and fibrosis
• Viral-host protein interactions in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis

Recent publications emphasize CRISPR screening innovations and microRNA regulatory networks across:

• Cancer biology (lung cancer, breast cancer)
• Metabolic diseases (diabetes, obesity)
• Immunology (T cell regulation, macrophage function)
• Virology (SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms)
• Developmental biology (embryonic transcription factors)

Scientific recognitions include:

• NIH Transformative Research Award (2016)
• NIH Illuminating the Druggable Genome Award (2014)
• Breakthrough Technologies Award (2011)
• WM Keck Award (2007)
• Sandler Award in Basic Sciences (2005)

Actively involved in multiple NIH-funded initiatives including:

• Illuminating Druggable Dark Matter (U24DK116214)
• Genetic Networks in Cancer (U01CA217882)
• Extracellular RNA Communication Consortium

His laboratory pioneers novel approaches to functional genomics and maintains active collaborations across immunology, cancer biology, and metabolic disease research areas.