Richard Katz

Richard Katz, PhD, is a Professor and Adjunct Professor at the Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, based at Fox Chase Cancer Center. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation in cancer, particularly the role of the nuclear lamina in organizing heterochromatin and gene silencing.

• PhD in Microbiology, Columbia University (1983)
• BS in Biology, Summa cum laude, Syracuse University (1975)

Dr. Katz's research spans several key areas in epigenetics and cancer biology. He investigates how the nuclear lamina controls epigenetic silencing through proteins like PRR14, which tethers heterochromatin to the nuclear periphery. His lab uses siRNA-based genome-wide screens to identify novel epigenetic silencing networks. Another major focus is melanoma plasticity, where his team discovered ID4 as a key mediator. He also studies epigenetic antiviral responses involving Daxx and retroviral silencing, and functional analysis of breast cancer genes from GWAS and DASE studies using BioID for protein interaction mapping.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend in understanding chromatin dynamics, epigenetic silencing mechanisms, and their implications in cancer and viral defense. His work integrates molecular biology, functional genomics, and systems approaches to dissect complex regulatory networks.

Notable scientific recognitions include being selected for Cover Art in Epigenetics (2014) and an Article of Significant Interest by the editors of Journal of Virology (2013).

Dr. Katz actively mentors students and technicians in his lab, including graduate students and post-baccalaureate researchers. He collaborates widely across Fox Chase, including with J.P. Issa, A. Bellacosa, and A.M. Skalka. His lab participates in the Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship and research volunteering programs, indicating a strong commitment to training and education.

His lab at Fox Chase (R422/W422) includes current members such as Valentina Medvedeva (Graduate Student), Trinity Pellegrin (Scientific Technician), and several student assistants, reflecting an active and collaborative research environment.