University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · PharmacologyJohnston Oncology Lab
Paul A. Johnston · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Dr. Paul Johnston's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding and developing new treatments for B-cell malignancies, particularly chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). They investigate a protein called Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK), which plays a critical role in the functioning of B cells. The lab aims to identify new molecules that can inhibit BTK without causing drug resistance, ultimately enhancing treatment options for patients.
BTKchronic lymphocytic leukemiaB-cell malignanciesallosteric inhibitorsdrug resistance
Research Aims
3AIM 01Identify compounds that inhibit BTK dimerization and activation in cells.
AIM 02Confirm active compounds through counter screens and prioritize them for further study.
AIM 03Characterize the biochemical activity of hit compounds that disrupt BTK signaling.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturehigh-throughput screening (HTS)high content screening (HCS)biochemical assaysstructural biology
Output against the department
Publications221top 37% of dept.172nd of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations6.9kbottom 48% of dept.238th of 462
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.