معرفی
David Morgan is a Professor at the University of California San Francisco holding the Jack D. and DeLoris Lange Endowed Chair in Physiology. His research laboratory focuses on fundamental mechanisms of eukaryotic cell cycle regulation, using multidisciplinary approaches including quantitative biochemistry, molecular genetics, advanced microscopy, and computational modeling. Morgan has maintained continuous NIH funding since 1979, most notably for his long-term project 'Regulatory Enzymes and Systems in Cell Cycle Control' (2016-2026).
Education
- B.Sc. (Honors) in Animal Biology from University of Calgary (1980)
- Ph.D. in Endocrinology from UCSF (1986)
- Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biochemistry at UCSF (1986-1989)
Research Focus
Morgan's group investigates regulatory systems governing cell division cycles, with emphasis on enzyme mechanisms controlling chromosome segregation. Recent work expanded into virology, examining SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid phosphorylation and ribonucleosome assembly. The laboratory employs:
- Quantitative analysis of cyclin-dependent kinases and ubiquitin ligases
- Single-molecule studies of APC/C-substrate interactions
- Structural characterization of separase regulation
- Biophysical examination of phase separation in viral packaging
Publication Trends
Recent articles demonstrate evolving focus from core cell cycle mechanisms (CDK regulation, APC/C function, separase control) to SARS-CoV-2 virology, particularly nucleocapsid phosphorylation and ribonucleoprotein assembly. Methodologically, work increasingly integrates structural biology (cryo-EM, crystallography) with single-molecule biophysics.
Awards and Honors
- Royal Society of London Fellowship (2012)
- NIH MERIT Award (2011)
- Six-time recipient of UCSF Teaching Award for Outstanding Lectures
- UCSF Kaiser Excellence in Teaching Award (2010)
- Graduate Mentorship Award (2010)
- Searle Scholar Award (1990-1993)
- Rita Allen Foundation Scholarship (1991-1996)
Funding and Training
Morgan has secured over 40 years of continuous NIH funding including:
- R35GM118053 (2016-2026): Regulatory Enzymes in Cell Cycle Control
- T32GM007810 (1979-2021): Cell Biology Training Grant
- R01GM094173 (2010-2015): Chromosome Segregation Regulation
- R37GM053270 (1990-2016): Molecular Control of Cell Proliferation
