Mitchell F. Denning

Mitchell F. Denning, PhD, is the Associate Dean for Graduate Education and a Professor in Cancer Biology and Molecular Pharmacology & Neuroscience at Loyola University Chicago. His research focuses on keratinocyte and melanocyte biology, ultraviolet radiation-induced skin carcinogenesis, and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathways. Dr. Denning's work examines how UV radiation alters epidermal cell fate decisions and explores novel preventive and therapeutic strategies against skin cancers.

**Education**: BS in Biochemistry (University of Arizona), PhD in Human Cancer Biology (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Postdoctoral training at NIH's National Cancer Institute (Skin Carcinogenesis) and Northwestern University (Cell-Cell Adhesion).

**Research Interests**: Dr. Denning investigates keratinocyte and melanocyte biology, UV-induced skin carcinogenesis mechanisms, and PKC signaling's role in epidermal regulation. His lab uses molecular and cell biological approaches to uncover signaling pathways involved in UV-induced cellular responses like inflammation, DNA repair, and apoptosis.

**Recent Work**: His publications highlight studies on RIPK3 signaling in leukemia suppression, EphA2 inhibition in liver cancer, and Fyn kinase targeting in breast cancer. These studies aim to identify therapeutic targets and understand cancer progression pathways.

**Grants & Teams**: Collaborates with institutions like NIH and the National Cancer Institute. His lab focuses on translational research bridging basic biology and clinical applications in cancer prevention/therapy.

**Lab/Teams**: Active in Loyola's Cancer Biology and Molecular Pharmacology groups, contributing to interdisciplinary research in skin and liver cancers.