Sharon Campbell

Dr. Sharon Campbell is a Gary F. Liebscher Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on structural and functional studies of RAS oncoproteins, RAS superfamily members, heterotrimeric GTPases, and cell adhesion proteins vinculin/metavinculin, linking their regulation to cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders.

• Education: PhD, MS in Biochemistry/Biophysics
• Key Methods: Multidisciplinary structural (X-ray, NMR, computational), biophysical, biochemical, and cell biology approaches

Research Interests include:

• Elucidating RAS/GTPase recognition by regulatory proteins and effectors
• Investigating how mutations/post-translational modifications alter GTPase activity
• Identifying inhibitors for aberrant GTPase functions in disease
• Understanding vinculin-actin force-dependent 'catch bonds' in cell adhesion
• Exploring RAS protein radical-based regulation by reactive species

Recent Article Trends span structural biology, redox signaling, GTPase dynamics, and cancer mechanisms, with subfields like RAS isoform specificity, ubiquitination, mechanobiology, and platinum drug interactions.

Scientific Awards:

• 2023: OGE Mentoring Award
• 2014: Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award
• 2001: Hettleman Award
• 1998: Jefferson-Pilot Award

Advising highlights mentorship of students securing positions at Eli Lilly and receiving prestigious fellowships. Lab achievements include publications in Nature, Science Signaling, and organizing symposia on RAS pathobiology.