Guan Lab
Kun-Liang Guan
Kun-Liang Guan joined the University of Michigan in 1991 as a lecturer in the Department of Biological Chemistry. He had done postdoctoral work in Jack Dixon's biochemistry laboratory at Purdue University and came along when Dixon joined Michigan as chair of the Department of Biological Chemistry.
Guan has since distinguished himself as one of the leading lights of the critical protein phosphorylation reactions that regulate cell division, growth and differentiation. His studies focus on a class of enzymes that act as molecular switches to control the activity of other enzymes.
Some of his work has shown how viruses and bacteria interrupt normal cell signals, creating disease. His exploration of these essential biological processes has led Guan to explore yeast, viruses, round worms, goldfish, mice, and several types of human cancer cells.
In 1998, Guan was recognized with a prestigious John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, more commonly known as a "genius grant." He was recognized for making several important discoveries at a relatively young age and exhibiting some unusual creativity in his work.
