Mikel Garcia-Marcos

Professor Mikel Garcia-Marcos is a faculty member at Boston University, specializing in biochemistry and biology education. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of intercellular communication via heterotrimeric G-proteins, emphasizing their roles in health and disease. He leads the Garcia-Marcos Lab, which employs a multi-scale approach combining biochemistry, genetics, and model organisms to study G-protein signaling pathways, synthetic biology tools, and their biomedical implications.

Dr. Garcia-Marcos holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of the Basque Country. His work integrates experimental systems ranging from purified proteins to mice, frogs, and zebrafish. Key research interests include GPCR-independent signaling, cancer biology, and the development of optical biosensors and optogenetic tools for real-time signal detection.

Recent research highlights include the development of universal biosensor platforms for GPCR activity and the identification of small-molecule inhibitors targeting non-canonical G-protein signaling in cancer. His lab's contributions have advanced understanding of G-protein activation mechanisms, with implications for drug discovery and therapeutic strategies.

Teaching responsibilities include the graduate course MB 721: Biochemistry. The Garcia-Marcos Lab collaborates widely, focusing on translating molecular insights into clinical applications, particularly in cancer and neurological disorders.