Derek Taylor

Derek Taylor is a Professor in the Departments of Pharmacology & Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University, whose research focuses on understanding the molecular architecture and functional interactions of proteins and complexes that control fundamental biological events. His work leverages structural and mechanistic insights to design small molecules for treating diseases such as cancer. Derek’s lab has identified small molecule inhibitors that promote telomere shortening in cancer cells and has developed strategies for telomerase-mediated delivery of toxins to cancer cell telomeres. Derek’s efforts have advanced RNA structure-function studies and developed RNA-targeting molecules. Derek’s group defined the molecular mechanism of 15-PGDH inhibitors that promote tissue regeneration. The structures were licensed to Rodeo Therapeutic, which was acquired by Amgen. Additionally, Derek’s group has helped uncover a novel mode of action for small molecules that reactivate the PP2A tumor suppressor complex, traditionally considered ‘undruggable,’ by selectively stabilizing protein-protein assemblies. This work has led to the creation of first-in-class PP2A activators with potential clinical applications that Derek helped to develop as a co-found of Rappta Therapeutics LLC, whose assets were recently licensed to SpringWorks Therapeutics. Derek’s contributions have earned him accolades such as the CasePREP Excellence in Mentoring Award, the Nature Spin-off Prize ‘Ones to Watch,’ the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, and the American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award.