Karen Blyth

Karen Blyth is a Professor at the School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, and Head of Transgenic Models at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute. Her research focuses on in vivo cancer biology, particularly the role of RUNX/CBFβ transcriptional complexes and MCL-1 in breast cancer progression and metastasis.

• Education: BSc Biochemistry (1991, University of Glasgow); PhD Cancer Biology (1997, University of Glasgow)

Her work explores metabolic pathways in tumor development, epithelial cancer mechanisms, and mammary stem/progenitor cell dynamics. She co-leads the MRC National Mouse Genetics Network Cancer Cluster, advancing genetically complex models for tumor complexity studies and patient therapy prediction.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in metabolic vulnerabilities, metastasis, and immune-tumor interactions, spanning breast, prostate, colorectal, and melanoma research. Key themes include cell death regulation, RUNX gene paradoxes, and translational control in cancer.

Scientific contributions include

• Co-founding SEARCHBreast for 3Rs-compliant resource sharing
• Developing genetically modified murine models for cancer research

She mentors PhD student Amy Lawlor and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams on precision oncology and metabolic therapies.