Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Contact Information
Email:Biosketch
Abigail Solitro, PhD, received her undergraduate degrees at Ferris State University. She completed her PhD in Cell and Molecular Genetics at the Van Andel Institute Graduate School before accepting a faculty position at Liberty University. Her research has investigated novel therapeutic strategies for non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer, rooted in the oncogenic rewiring of signal transduction pathways. Dr. Solitro currently serves as the basic science course director for the Molecular Foundations of Human Health and Disease course at WMed. She is interested in developing effective, evidence-based teaching strategies for the biochemistry discipline and providing opportunities for young scientists in elementary and middle school to explore careers in medicine and science.
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Education and Training
- PhD 2018, Cell and Molecular Genetics, Van Andel Institute Graduate School
- BS 2013, Biotechnology, Arts and Sciences, Ferris State University
- BS 2013, Forensic Biology, Arts and Sciences, Ferris State University
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Research
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Biochemistry
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Publications
Celano S.L., Yco L.P., Kortus M.G., Solitro A.R., Gunaydin H., Scott M., Spooner E., O'Hagan R.C., Fuller P., Martin K.R., Shumway S.D., MacKeigan J.P. Identification of Kinases Responsible for p53-Dependent Autophagy iScience. 2019;15:109-118.
Martin K.R., Celano S.L., Solitro A.R., Gunaydin H., Scott M., O'Hagan R.C., Shumway S.D., Fuller P., MacKeigan J.P. A Potent and Selective ULK1 Inhibitor Suppresses Autophagy and Sensitizes Cancer Cells to Nutrient Stress iScience. 2018;8:74-84.
Solitro A., Vander Schaaf N. Origins of cancer: Tackling provocative questions Genes and Cancer. 2017;8(7-8):608-612.
Solitro A., Mackeigan J. Leaving the lysosome behind: Novel developments in autophagy inhibition Future Medicinal Chemistry. 2016;8(1):73-86.