Martin E. Fernandez-Zapico

Martin E. Fernandez-Zapico, M.D., is a Professor of Pharmacology and Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and the Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology. His research focuses on epigenetic pathways in pancreatic carcinogenesis and the tumor microenvironment.

• Education: MD from University of Cordoba, Postdoctoral Fellowships at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.

Research Interests: Dr. Fernandez-Zapico investigates oncogenic transcription factors (GLIs, NFATs, STATs) and their epigenetic regulation via chromatin dynamics in pancreatic cancer. His team studies stromal cells (fibroblasts, stellate cells) and chromatin remodelers like p300 and MLL as regulators of collagen deposition and cytokines.

Recent Articles (2025): Key studies include KRAS G12C inhibitor resistance mechanisms, Omega-3 fatty acids in cancer progression, Galectin-1's role in stellate cell activation, and stress response pathways as therapeutic targets.

Grants: His research is supported by

• NIH-funded Pancreatic Cancer SPORE
• NIH Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology
• National Cancer Institute grants for projects like New Therapuetics for Pancreatic Cancer (2022-2026) and ZIP4 molecular targeting.

Labs & Collaborations: Leads a research program at Mayo Clinic, collaborating with experts in oncology, gastroenterology, and molecular pharmacology. Focus areas include translational research and developmental projects for extramural funding.