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Mikhail A. Nikiforov

Professor of Pathology
Pathology
210 Research Drive, GSRB II Rm. 4020, Durham, NC 27710

Research Interests


The main objectives of Professor Nikiforov’s research program includes identification and therapeutic exploitation of mechanisms underlying the deregulated transcription programs and metabolism in melanoma and multiple myeloma, two malignancies with no curative treatment. Nikiforov pursues these objectives by integrating in vitro and in vivo approaches of biomedical engineering, functional genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics.

Selected Grants


The role of regulation and subcellular localization of GTP biosynthesis in melanoma invasion and metastasis

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2028

Bidirectional control of keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation by transcription factor FOXQ1

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2028

Regulation and Function of Very Long Chain Fatty Acid Biosynthesis in Multiple Myeloma

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2022 - 2026

Decoupling acute toxicities and antitumor efficacy in adoptive cell therapy

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Houston Methodist Research Institute · 2024 - 2025

Interrogating the role of GTP metabolism in Rac1-driven phenotypes in melanoma

ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2022 - 2024

GMPS-GMPR Axis Melanoma Progression and Therapy

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2022 - 2024