Linda McAllister-Lucas, MD, PhD

Dr. McAllister-Lucas investigates the mechanisms by which dysregulated intracellular signaling promotes inflammation and neoplasia. She focuses on a complex of signaling proteins referred to as the CARMA-Bcl10-MALT1 (CBM) signalosome. She and others discovered this complex because the genes encoding its components are targeted by the mutation in lymphoid malignancy. This CBM signalosome functions in normal lymphocyte function by mediating antigen receptor-dependent activation of the pro-inflammatory, pro-survival NF-kappaB transcription factor. Her group discovered that the API2-MALT1 fusion oncoprotein possesses unique gain-of-function MALT1 proteolytic activity that drives the proliferation and survival of malignant B-cells. Additionally, she discovered that a CBM signalosome is activated by specific G protein-coupled receptors to augment the pathogenesis of solid tumors. Dr. McAllister-Lucas is an outstanding mentor and has served in leadership roles in the MSTP at the University of Michigan and now at the University of Pittsburgh. Her laboratory is an ideal environment for fellows in Bone Marrow Transplantation and Hematology-Oncology.