Michael Erb

Dr. Michael Erb is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). His research focuses on developing chemical tools to target transcriptional programs driving cancer, particularly leveraging chromatin and transcriptional biology. He holds a PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Harvard University (2017) and a B.A. in Biochemistry from Claremont McKenna College (2014).

Research areas include chemical probe development for chromatin regulators, genetic target discovery in cancer subtypes, and high-throughput drug discovery approaches. Notable achievements include NIH Early Independence Award (2018) and Baxter Young Investigators Award (2023). The Erb Lab employs integrative genomics, chemical proteomics, and medicinal chemistry to study cancer epigenetics and transcriptional control.

Publications highlight breakthroughs in HDAC inhibitor mechanisms, ENL YEATS domain targeting in leukemia, and metabolic resistance pathways. The lab actively collaborates on molecular glues (CRBN modulation), synthetic lethality strategies, and dTAG protein degradation systems. Erb's work bridges chemical biology with clinical translation for novel cancer therapies.

Professional milestones include serving as a Scripps Fellow (2017-2020), advancing to Assistant Professor (2020) and current Associate Professor role. He has received over 20 awards including FASEB presentation awards and Goldwater recognition. Current research emphasizes exploiting cancer-specific vulnerabilities through chemical biology innovation.