Rate My Professor Matthew Pawlus

Pawlus's research investigates interactions between environmental factors and human cells that contribute to disease, utilizing human cell-based models. Current projects include the neurodegenerative effects of the cyanobacterial biotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) on human neural cells, BMAA's promotion of mesenchymal transition in glioblastoma cells, protective effects of melatonin on human retinal cells, and the Wnt signaling pathway's roles in cell differentiation, development, regeneration, and disease. Key publications include 'The biotoxin BMAA promotes mesenchymal transition in glioblastoma cells' (2024), 'The biotoxin BMAA promotes dysfunction via distinct mechanisms in neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells' (PLoS One, 2023), 'HIFs enhance the transcriptional activation and splicing of adrenomedullin during hypoxia' (Oncogene, 2014), 'Enhanceosomes as integrators of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and non-HIF signals: the VEGF promoter example' (American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 2013), 'Upstream stimulatory factor 2 and hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) cooperatively activate hypoxia-inducible genes' (Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2012), 'STAT3 or USF2 contributes to HIF target gene specificity' (PLoS One, 2013), and contributions to 'Disruptive CHD8 mutations define a subtype of autism early in development' (Cell, 2014). In 2024-2025, he received the Outstanding Service Award from BHSU's College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences. Pawlus teaches in the Biology program and Master of Science in Integrative Genomics, advises students, participates in research symposia, and delivers public outreach such as DNA extraction demonstrations.