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Fran Sverdrup, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Director
Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Discovery Services Core


Education

  • B.S. in Chemistry, University of Notre Dame, 1987
  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 1994

Research Interests

Our lab is focused on mechanisms of gene regulation and drug discovery in human genetic diseases. Our current focus is facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy, for which there is no treatment. We study how the myotoxic DUX4 gene is reactivated in FSHD. Additionally, we screen for new compounds intended to epigenetically suppress DUX4. We are currently evaluating several classes of drugs that turn off DUX4 in cell and animal models of FSHD. We are performing mechanism of actions studies to understand how these drugs suppress transcription of DUX4 mRNA.

  • Drug discovery
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell and molecular biology
  • Chemical biology

Labs and Facilities

  • Doisy Research Center, rooms 463, 465 and 355

Publications

Complete List of Publications