James A. Irving
Papers
1
Total Citations
83
H-Index
1
About
James A. Irving is a structural biologist whose research centers on the serpin superfamily of proteins, with a particular focus on their roles in cancer biology and human disease. His most cited work, the 2005 high-resolution crystal structure of the human tumor suppressor maspin, revealed a novel conformational switch in the G-helix—a discovery that provided critical insight into how this essential serpin functions. This study, which has garnered 83 citations, helped illuminate the structural basis of maspin’s tumor-suppressive activity, a molecule whose homozygous loss is lethal and whose precise physiological role had long remained enigmatic. Irving’s contributions extend beyond maspin to encompass the broader structural and functional characterization of serpins, including those involved in thrombosis, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. His work is distinguished by its integration of X-ray crystallography with biochemical and cellular approaches, offering mechanistic clarity on how these proteins regulate proteolytic cascades. For students and researchers, Irving’s research exemplifies how atomic-level structures can unlock the secrets of proteins critical for development and disease, providing a foundation for therapeutic targeting in cancer and beyond.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1