Cornelius Y Taabazuing

Cornelius Y. Taabazuing is a Presidential Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of cell death pathways, particularly pyroptosis and apoptosis, and their roles in innate immunity, inflammation, and cancer immunotherapy.

Education:

• B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2009
• Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2015

Dr. Taabazuing's lab investigates supramolecular organizing centers (SMOCs), inflammasomes, and caspase activation in response to pathogens and genotoxic stress. His work integrates genetics, biochemistry, proteomics, and chemical biology to understand how danger signals trigger immune responses. Key research areas include the regulation of IL-1β and IL-18 maturation, GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis, and the role of PIDD in DNA damage-induced apoptosis.

His recent publications (2022–2024) reveal trends in inflammasome diversity, caspase substrate specificity, and therapeutic targeting of cell death pathways. These studies span high-impact journals such as Science Advances, eLife, and Cell Reports, emphasizing both mechanistic insights and translational potential in autoinflammatory diseases and cancer.

Scientific Awards:

• Presidential Assistant Professor, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Taabazuing actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, supports diversity in STEMM through advocacy and co-authored guides, and leads a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team. He is involved in educational outreach and has contributed to literature on equitable practices in science. The Taabazuing Lab is currently recruiting technicians, graduate students, and postdocs, indicating active grant-supported research and training programs.

Laboratory and Team: The Taabazuing Lab includes undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. It operates as a dynamic, interdisciplinary team focused on cutting-edge questions in immunology and cell death, with strong collaborations across institutions.