Michael Rape

Michael Rape is a Professor of Molecular Therapeutics at the University of California, Berkeley, in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. He holds the Dr. K. Peter Hirth Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cell fate decisions, particularly through the lens of ubiquitin-dependent signaling. His lab investigates how ubiquitylation regulates developmental processes, cancer progression, and neurodegenerative diseases. Key projects include studying ubiquitin chain formation, quality control pathways, and therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms.

Research interests center on ubiquitin’s role in cell cycle transitions, stem cell differentiation, and disease. Notable work includes discovering ubiquitin chain functions in mitosis, reductive stress responses, and quality control of protein complexes. The lab employs genetic screens, biochemical reconstitution, and small molecule discovery, with translational efforts through Nurix Therapeutics.

• Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology (details not explicitly stated in text).
• Affiliations: HHMI Investigator, UC Berkeley, and collaborations with UCSF, Stanford, and Genentech.

Scientific contributions include over 100 publications, with recent focus on stress response pathways, neuronal development, and ubiquitin’s role in neurodegeneration. Awards include HHMI Investigator status and the endowed chair in cancer research. Grant activities and lab collaborations are extensive, with current work on protein degradation therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

Lab members include students like Alfred Freeberg and postdocs such as Kevin Mark, who have gone on to academic positions. The lab actively trains students and postdocs in interdisciplinary approaches to cell biology and biochemistry.