Robert K. McGinty

Robert K. McGinty, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry & Biophysics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Eshelman School of Pharmacy. He is also a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and affiliated with the UNC School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding epigenetic signaling mechanisms at the nucleosome and chromatin levels using an integrated approach combining protein chemistry, structural biology, and proteomics.

Dr. McGinty's laboratory employs advanced techniques including atomic precision protein chemistry to build designer modified nucleosomes, single particle cryo-electron microscopy, and macromolecular X-ray crystallography to visualize epigenetic enzymes in action on nucleosome substrates. His research program centers on three main areas: determining the structural basis of histone modification cross-talk, establishing paradigms of nucleosome recognition, and creating new tools to enable epigenetics research. His work has significant implications for understanding fundamental biological processes and developing new approaches for cancer treatment.

Analysis of Dr. McGinty's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on structural mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, with particular focus on histone modifications, nucleosome recognition, and chromatin signaling pathways. His research spans from fundamental biochemical mechanisms to translational applications, demonstrating both scientific depth and therapeutic relevance in the field of epigenetics and cancer biology.

• Pew-Stewart Scholar in Cancer Research (2017)
• Searle Scholar (2017)
• Damon Runyon Dale F. Frey Breakthrough Scientist Award (2015)
• Damon Runyon Post-doctoral Fellowship (2012)

Dr. McGinty has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows, including Aleksandra (winner of UNC Postdoctoral Award for Research Excellence), Cathy (winner of UNC Dean's Distinguished Dissertation Award), Nate (successful PhD defense), Gabby (Diane Harris Leadership Award recipient for promoting diversity in STEM), and Dalal (undergraduate researcher with multiple honors including three co-authored papers and an NSF GFRP fellowship). His laboratory is supported by significant research funding that enables their innovative work in epigenetics and chromatin biology.

The McGinty Lab maintains an active research program focused on understanding how epigenetic enzymes recognize and modify chromatin at atomic resolution. Their work leverages collaborations with the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery to translate structural insights toward the design of small molecules targeting chromatin signaling pathways for both basic research and therapeutic goals.