Thomas Jefferson University · BiochemistryThe Chromium Impact Lab
Steven B. Mcmahon · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Dr. Steven B. McMahon's lab at Thomas Jefferson University studies how exposure to hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, leads to lung cancer. His research focuses on a specific RNA modification enzyme, METTL3, to understand its role in promoting tumor growth and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in lung tissues. By uncovering the mechanisms behind these processes, the lab aims to identify potential biomarkers for cancer detection and prevention in individuals exposed to chromium.
hexavalent chromiumlung cancerMETTL3angiogenesiscarcinogenesisNrf2SOX4tumor growthbiomarker identification
Research Aims
3AIM 01Determine the role of METTL3 in chromium-induced cell transformation and tumor growth.
AIM 02Investigate the downstream targets of METTL3 in promoting angiogenesis.
AIM 03Assess how METTL3 regulates tumor angiogenesis through specific receptors and signaling pathways.
Skills the Lab Values
CRISPR/Cas technologyanimal modelsRNA analysiscell cultureELISAmolecular biology techniquesgene expression assaysflow cytometrytumor cell modeling
Output against the department
Publications464top 10% of dept.39th of 402
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations43ktop 6% of dept.25th of 402
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.