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Megan C. King, PhD

Associate Professor of Cell Biology and of Molecular, Cellular and Development Biology
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Additional Titles

Co-Leader, Radiobiology and Genome Integrity, Yale Cancer Center

Associate Cancer Center Director, Basic Science

About

Titles

Associate Professor of Cell Biology and of Molecular, Cellular and Development Biology

Co-Leader, Radiobiology and Genome Integrity, Yale Cancer Center; Associate Cancer Center Director, Basic Science

Biography

Megan received her B.A. in Biochemistry from Brandeis University working with Dr. Susan Lowey and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from the University of Pennsylvania working with Dr. Mark Lemmon. During her postdoctoral training with Dr. Günter Blobel at Rockefeller University, she discovered new mechanisms for the targeting and function of integral inner nuclear membrane proteins. Since founding her own group in 2009, Megan has continued to investigate the broad array of biological functions that are integrated at the nuclear envelope, from impacts on DNA repair to nuclear and cellular mechanics. Megan was named a Searle Scholar in 2011, is a recipient of the NIH New Innovator Award and is currently an Allen Distinguished Investigator.

Appointments

Other Departments & Organizations

Education & Training

Postdoctoral Fellow
Rockefeller University (2009)
PhD
University of Pennsylvania Medical School (2004)
BA
Brandeis University (1997)

Research

Overview

One major focus is on macromolecular complexes embedded in the nuclear envelope physically couple the cytoskeleton to the nucleus (LINC complexes). We seek to define the fundamental mechanisms underlying the nuclear force response and the contexts in which direct force transduction to the nuclear lamina impacts cell function using fission yeast, cell culture and mouse models.

We also have a major effort in defining how the genome is organized, taking advantage of insights from chromatin dynamics. Using live cell assays that we have developed, we also investigate how nuclear cell biology impinges on genome integrity.

Medical Research Interests

Cell Biology; Cell Nucleus; Chromatin; DNA Repair; Genome; Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome; Mechanotransduction, Cellular; Nuclear Envelope

Research at a Glance

Yale Co-Authors

Frequent collaborators of Megan C. King's published research.

Publications

2024

2023

Academic Achievements & Community Involvement

  • honor

    Allen Distinguished Investigator

  • honor

    New Innovator Award

  • honor

    Searle Scholar

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