David Long, Ph.D.

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and a member of the Hollings Cancer Center (HCC). I have a long-standing interest in nucleic acid biology, studying fundamental mechanisms of DNA replication, DNA damage signaling, genomic instability, and cancer predisposition throughout my career. In 2016, I received an R35 Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA), which provides flexible support for all research projects related to the mission of NIGMS. Initially, we focused on elucidating the various roles that BRCA1 plays during repair of DNA inter-strand crosslinks. During these studies, we found evidence that BRCA1 was also controlling an assortment of chromatin and transcription regulators in extract. Encouraged by the mission of the R35 to pursue ambitious new research directions, we developed a cell-free system that supports highly regulated transcription of chromatinized plasmid substrates. These efforts have broadened the scope of our research program to include mechanisms of chromatin signaling, transcription regulation, and their interplay with the DNA damage response. In 2023, I was appointed the Assistant Director of Education and Training for HCC. In this role, I help to oversee, coordinate, and track oncology-focused education and training opportunities for high school, college, pre- and post-doctoral students, and early career faculty.