Dr. Ann Pendergast

Biography

Ann Pendergast is the Anthony R. Means Cancer Biology Distinguished Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University. Her research primarily focuses on tyrosine kinase-regulated transcription networks and their role in tumor progression, metastasis, and tissue injury response. Her work has yielded significant insights into the mechanisms by which protein tyrosine kinase phosphorylation influences tumorigenesis and has led to the identification of critical pathways implicated in human leukemia through the action of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase. Pendergast's lab employs advanced animal models and transcriptomic technologies to explore the complex networks of transcription factors that are activated during tumor metastasis and lung regeneration following injury. The goal of her research is to develop novel therapies targeting metastatic solid tumors by intervening in the cancer microenvironment and enhancing the efficacy of current treatments. She is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists and has successfully guided numerous students and fellows in their academic careers. Pendergast has been actively involved in various interdisciplinary research initiatives and has received several significant grants from the National Institutes of Health and other prestigious organizations to support her work in cancer biology and regenerative medicine.

Research Interests

Experience