Dr. Patrick Casey

Biography

Patrick John Casey is the James B. Duke Distinguished Professor at Duke University's Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology. His research focuses on transmembrane signaling mediated by guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins), particularly their involvement in cell growth control. Over the past decade, his lab has highlighted how mutations in G proteins can lead to cell transformation. Key areas of research include covalent modifications of G proteins by isoprenoid lipids, termed protein prenylation, which is essential for membrane targeting and function. His work emphasizes the enzymatic processes that facilitate these modifications, exploring potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, particularly related to Ras proteins and other G proteins such as Gz. Casey's research has implications for understanding pancreatic beta-cell function and the pathways influencing cancer metastasis. He has been awarded numerous grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, reflecting the significant impact of his contributions to the field of cancer biology.

Research Interests

Experience