Dawn Worrall
Papers
1
Total Citations
83
H-Index
1
About
Dawn Worrall is a structural biologist whose research centers on the molecular mechanisms of tumor suppression and protein conformational dynamics. Her most notable contribution is the high-resolution crystal structure of the human tumor suppressor maspin, a serpin critical for development—homozygous loss of the maspin gene is lethal. This landmark study, cited over 80 times, revealed a novel conformational switch in the G-helix, providing key insights into how maspin regulates cell behavior in cancers of the breast and lung. By elucidating this structural feature, Worrall’s work has deepened our understanding of maspin’s precise physiological role, which had long remained elusive. Her findings have implications for cancer biology and therapeutic targeting, offering a structural framework for future studies on serpin function and tumor suppression. Worrall’s research exemplifies how high-resolution structural analysis can unlock the secrets of critical biological molecules, making her a valuable contributor to the fields of structural biology and cancer research.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1