Mitotic Kinases and Cell Cycle Regulation
A cornerstone of his laboratory efforts involves investigating how signaling from mitotic protein kinases—such as Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1)—mediates accurate chromosome segregation. Using chemical-genetic approaches, our lab seeks to understand the fundamentals of control for genome stability
Biomarkers for therapies that disrupt chromosome segregation
Increasing evidence suggests that chromosomal instability (CIN) is a key mechanism governing response to therapeutics. CIN measure the rate of chromosome gains and losses per division, and this is modified by current and emerging cancer drugs including taxanes, antibody-drug conjugates, and inhibitors of mitotic kinases. The Burkard laboratory seeks to understand how these disrupt mitotic control and thereby develop predictive biomarkers.
Exceptional Responders and Long-Term Survivors
A unique and growing area of Dr. Burkard’s work centers on “extreme survivors”—patients who experience unexpectedly long survival despite metastatic disease. Through genomic and immunologic profiling of these individuals, his team seeks to uncover biological mechanisms of resistance, resilience, and potential pathways to durable remission. This line of inquiry holds promise for informing new therapeutic approaches and reshaping prognostic expectations.