Marie C. DeFrances, MD, PhD

Dr. Marie DeFrances is a Professor in the Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular and Genomic Pathology, and the Pathology Residency and Fellowship Director.  Dr. DeFrances earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology at Duke University. She then studied at the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a PhD in Pathology and an MD. In her research, Dr. DeFrances focuses on the

• characterization of a novel regulator of the PI3K pathway
• pathobiology of liver cancer in humans and rodents
• biology of liver regeneration in humans and rodents

Dr. DeFrances' clinical responsibilities are in the Molecular and Genomic Pathology Division where she is involved with day-to-day review of patient material and test development.  Dr. DeFrances also is Director of the MS1 course, “Cellular and Pathologic Basis of Disease Course,” and Co-Director of the graduate course, “Basics of Personalized Medicine.” Dr. DeFrances is a member of several professional associations, such as the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, and the Association for Molecular Pathology.  She is Editor of Academic Pathology.  She is also a multiple recipient of the Pitt Innovator Award. View a list of Dr. DeFrances’ publications here.