H. Shelton Earp

H. Shelton Earp is the Lineberger Distinguished Professor of Cancer Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with faculty appointments in the Departments of Medicine (Division of Endocrinology) and Pharmacology. He serves as Director of UNC Cancer Care and leads research at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

• Research focuses on tyrosine kinase signaling in cancer, including HER4/ErbB4 in breast cancer, Mer receptor in leukemia/tumor immunology, and Ack1 in prostate cancer.
• Laboratory developed CRISPR-based mouse models (fl/fl mertk, tyro3) to study receptor functions and antitumor therapies.

Collaborations with Stephen Frye led to MerTK inhibitors and the startup Meryx, Inc., currently in Phase 1 clinical trials for solid tumors and AML. Appointed Chair of the NCI Board of Scientific Advisors (2025), reflecting his leadership in cancer research.