Megan Spurgeon

Credentials: Oncology Department

Position title: Biology of DNA tumor viruses

Email: megan.spurgeon@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-316-3999

Address:
Discovery Building
Room 3309
330 N. Orchard View St
Madison, WI 53706

LAB WEBSITE:

Spurgeon Lab

FOCUS GROUPS:

Virology, Cancer Biology, Molecular & Genome Biology of Microbes

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:

Tumor viruses cause at least 15% of human cancers worldwide. The Spurgeon Lab studies two different small DNA tumor viruses: Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the most recently discovered human tumor virus and causes Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a neuroendocrine cancer of the skin. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and cause cancers at various anatomical sites including the anogenital tract and oral cavity in both women and men. Our research investigates the virus-host interactions that contribute to the pathogenesis and oncogenic potential of MCPyV and HPV and seeks to elucidate the mechanisms by which their viral proteins cause disease and cancer. To do so, the Spurgeon Lab specializes in the development and application of novel preclinical models of small DNA tumor virus action. Our research interests intersect with several scientific disciplines, including virology, cancer biology, and cell/molecular biology.

ALSO A TRAINER IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS:

Cancer Biology Graduate Program

PERFORM A PUBMED PUBLICATION SEARCH