Mark Morgan

Dr Mark Morgan is a Professor in the Division of Cancer Sciences at the University of Manchester's Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. He leads a research laboratory investigating how tumor and stromal cells sense extracellular microenvironments to drive cancer progression, employing proteomics, genomics, and live-cell imaging. His work bridges fundamental cell adhesion mechanisms with clinical oncology applications.

Research focuses on adhesion and growth factor receptor crosstalk in cancer invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Key areas include nuclear force coupling during cell migration, integrin-HER2 signaling networks in breast cancer, and tension-sensing mechanisms in tumor microenvironments. His lab explores how dysregulated receptor coordination contributes to fibrotic disease and stem cell dysfunction, with emphasis on mechanical force transmission and spatial signaling dynamics.

Publications reveal strong trends in integrin-mediated mechanotransduction (70% of recent articles) and receptor crosstalk in therapeutic resistance (50%), particularly for HER2-positive breast cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methodologically, 80% utilize advanced imaging or proteomics to dissect spatial-temporal signaling networks.

• Full Faculty Member - Faculty Opinions / F1000 (2020)
• Gordon Research Conference Prize - Fibronectin, Integrins & Related Molecules (2015)
• FLS Tissue Systems Prize (University of Manchester, 2013)
• North of England Cell Biology Investigator Award (2011)
• Hamilton-Fairley BACR Young Investigator Award (2001)

Secures major funding from Northwest Cancer Research, Breast Cancer Now, and Wellcome Trust for projects like Sensing tension: Bidirectional feedback mechanisms controlling breast cancer invasion (2020-2024) and Optimising NK cell cytotoxicity for immunotherapy (2015-2018). Supervises PhD students on integrin crosstalk and tumor-stromal interactions, serving as examiner at 15+ institutions including Imperial College and University of Edinburgh since 2015.

Co-leads the Wellcome Trust PhD Programme and directs research within the Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, focusing on adhesion receptor dynamics in cancer invasion and wound healing contexts.