Dr. Megan Pannell
Assistant Professor of Biology
Education
- B.A., Biology and Psychology, Transylvania University
- M.S., Biotechnology, Indiana University
- Ph.D., Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky
Specialty
Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Signaling, Neurotrauma
Research Interest
My research focuses on cell signaling, or how cells relay cues from their extracellular environment into physiological responses within the cell. I am particularly interested in the role of Ras family GTPases in these responses. These are small signaling proteins that regulate a variety of cellular responses including cell proliferation, differentiation and growth by turning intracellular pathways on and off. My research at Mercer focuses on Ras-like estrogen regulated growth inhibitor (RERG), a small GTPase that has been characterized as a tumor suppressor in a variety of tumor types. Using cell culture and biochemical techniques, I plan to study the regulation of RERG and the signaling pathways that it acts through.
Recent Publications
- Bush K., Pannell M., Lock J.L., Queenan, A.M., Jorgensen, J.H., Lee, R.M., Lewis, J.S. & Jarrett, D. 2013. Detection systems for carbapenemase gene identification should include SME serine carbapenemase. Int. J. Antimicrob. Agents 41:1-4.