Department: Cancer Center

Division: Cancer Biology

• Faculty (40)
• Postdocs (0)
• All

• 
  Artandi, Steven 
  Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Medicine - Hematology
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Clinical Focus

  • Medical Oncology
  Research Interest

  Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes that protect chromosome ends and shorten with cell division and aging. We are interested in how telomere shortening influences cancer, stem cell function and genomic stability. Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase that synthesizes telomere repeats and is expressed in stem cells and in cancer. We have found that telomerase also regulates stem cells and we are pursuing the function of telomerase through diverse genetic and biochemical approaches.

• 
  Attardi, Laura 
  Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology - Radiation Biology
  • Associate Professor, Genetics
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Our research is aimed at defining the pathways of p53-mediated apoptosis and tumor suppression, using a combination of biochemical, cell biological, and mouse genetic approaches. Our strategy is to start by generating hypotheses about p53 mechanisms of action using primary mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs), and then to test them using gene targeting technology in the mouse.

• 
  Axelrod, Jeffrey 
  Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Pathology
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Genetic and cell biological analyses of signals controlling cell polarity and cell proliferation and differentiation. Frizzled signaling and cytoskeletal organization.

• 
  Bejerano, Gill 
  Academic Appointments

  • Assistant Professor, Developmental Biology
  • Assistant Professor, Computer Science
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Dr. Bejerano, co-discoverer of ultraconserved elements, studies the Human Genome. Through computation and experimentation we investigate the Systems Biology parts-list of many thousands genomic regions involved in gene transcription regulation during embryonic development. Major interests include (1) the origins and evolution of these regions, (2) how they encode their individual as well as combined roles, (3) their contribute to human disease, and (4) their contribute to species adaptation.

• 
  Boxer, Linda 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Medicine - Hematology
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Clinical Focus

  • Hematology
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Multiple Myeloma - Medical Oncology
  Research Interest

  Regulation of expression of oncogenes in normal and malignant hematologic cells.

• 
  Brunet, Anne 
  Academic Appointments

  • Assistant Professor, Genetics
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Our lab studies the molecular basis of longevity. We are interested in the mechanism of action of known longevity genes, including FOXO and SIRT, in the mammalian nervous system. We are particularly interested in the role of these longevity genes in neural stem cells. We are also discovering novel genes and processes involved in aging using two model systems, the invertebrate C. elegans and an extremely short-lived vertebrate, the African killifish N. furzeri.

• 
  Cartwright, Christine 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Medicine - Gastroenterology & Hepatology
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Clinical Focus

  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
  Research Interest

  Molecular mechanisms of intestinal cell growth control; function and regulation of the Src family of tyrosine kinases in normal cells, and their deregulation in cancer cells.

• 
  Chang, Howard Y
  Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Dermatology
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Clinical Focus

  • Dermatology
  Research Interest

  The Chang group is focused on two fundamental questions in epithelial biology: (1) the basis of positional identities in epidermal structures throughout the body, and (2) how those signals and boundaries may be abrogated to allow cancer metastasis. We are investigating the roles of site-specific fibroblast differentiation in patterning the epidermis, and dissecting the mechanisms of wound healing programs in cancer metastasis.

  Practices at Stanford Hospital and Clinics and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
• 
  Chen, Chang-Zheng 
  Academic Appointments

  • Assistant Professor, Microbiology & Immunology - Baxter Laboratory
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  We study the genetic networks controlled by regulatory RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), and currently focus on two complementary aspects of miRNA biology: (1) The roles of miRNAs in modulating the development, function, and pathogenesis of vertebrate immune systems and (2) the mechanisms by which these regulatory RNAs control gene expression.

• 
  Chen, James 
  Academic Appointments

  • Assistant Professor, Chemical and Systems Biology
  • Assistant Professor (By courtesy), Chemistry
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Our laboratory combines synthetic chemistry and developmental biology to investigate the molecular events that regulate embryonic patterning, tissue regeneration, and tumorigenesis. We are currently using genetic and small-molecule approaches to study the molecular mechanisms of Hedgehog signaling, and we are developing chemical technologies to perturb and observe the genetic programs that underlie vertebrate development.

• 
  Chua, Katrin F
  Academic Appointments

  • Assistant Professor, Medicine - Endocrinology/Gerontology/Metab
  • Member, Cancer Center
  • Member, Bio-X
  Research Interest

  Our lab is interested in understanding molecular processes that underlie aging and age-associated pathologies in mammals. We focus on a family of genes, the SIRTs, which regulate stress resistance and lifespan in lower organisms such as yeast, worms, and flies. In mammals, we recently uncovered a number of ways in which SIRT factors may contribute to cellular and organismal aging by regulating resistance to various forms of stress. We have now begun to characterize the molecular mechanisms b..

• 
  Cimprich, Karlene 
  Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Chemical and Systems Biology
  • Associate Professor (By courtesy), Chemistry
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  The use of genetic, biochemical and chemical approaches to understand the DNA damage-induced cell cycle checkpoints and the processes that contribute to maintenance of genomic stability.

• 
  Cleary, Michael 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Pathology
  • Member, Cancer Center
  • Professor, Pediatrics
  Research Interest

  The role of oncoproteins in cancer and development; molecular and cellular biology of hematologic malignancies; targeted molecular therapies of cancer.

• 
  Cohen, Stanley 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Genetics
  • Professor, Medicine
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  We study the functional and structural signals that govern mRNA decay and gene expression in bacteria, as well as mechanisms affecting aging and the ability of mammalian cells to support the propagation of viruses. A small bioinformatics team within our lab has developed knowledge based systems to aid in investigations of gene expression on a genome-wide basis.

• 
  Fang, Guowei 
  Academic Appointments

  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  We study the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control mitosis and cytokinesis in normal cells and their dysregulations that lead to aneuploidy and genomic instability in tumor cells. The current focus is on the cell cycle regulatory circuits consisting of kinases and ubiquitin ligases. In addition, we investigate the assembly, dynamics and function of mitotic structures. We use a combination of genomics, cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics in mammalian cells.

• 
  Feldman, David 
  Academic Appointments

  • Emeritus (Active) Professor, Medicine - Endocrinology/Gerontology/Metab
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Studies of the role of the vitamin D receptor in the action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the active vitamin D hormone. Current efforts are evaluating the vitamin D receptor in prostate cancer, osteoporosis and rickets.

• 
  Felsher, Dean W
  Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Medicine - Oncology
  • Associate Professor, Pathology
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Clinical Focus

  • Hodgkin's Disease
  • Hodgkin's Disease - Hematology
  • Hodgkin's Disease - Medical Oncology
  Research Interest

  My laboratory investigates how oncogenes initiate and sustain tumorigenesis. I have developed model systems whereby I can conditionally activate oncogenes in normal human and mouse cells in tissue culture or in specific tissues of transgenic mice. In particular using the tetracycline regulatory system, I have generated a conditional model system for MYC-induced tumors. I have shown that cancers caused by the conditional over-expression of the MYC proto-oncogene regress with its inactivation.

• 
  Ferrell, James 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Chemical and Systems Biology
  • Professor, Biochemistry
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  My lab has two main goals: to understand mitotic regulation and to understand the systems-level logic of simple signaling circuits. We often make use of Xenopus laevis oocytes, eggs, and cell-free extracts for both sorts of study. We also carry out single-cell fluorescence imaging studies on mammalian cell lines.

• 
  Frydman, Judith 
  Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Biology (School of Humanities and Sciences)
  • Member, Cancer Center
  • Member, Bio-X
  Research Interest

  The long term goal of our research is to understand how proteins fold in living cells. My lab uses a multidisciplinary approach to address fundamental questions about molecular chaperones, protein folding and degradation. In addition to basic mechanistic principles, we aim to define how impairment of cellular folding and quality control are linked to disease, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases and examine whether reengineering chaperone networks can provide therapeutic strategies.

• 
  Gozani, Or P
  Academic Appointments

  • Assistant Professor, Biology (School of Humanities and Sciences)
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  We study the molecular mechanisms by which chromatin-signaling networks effect nuclear and epigenetic programs, and how dysregulation of these pathways leads to disease. Our work centers on the biology of lysine methylation, a principal chromatin-regulatory mechanism that directs epigenetic processes. We study how lysine methylation events are generated, sensed, and transduced, and how these chemical marks integrate with other nuclear signaling systems to govern diverse cellular functions.

• 
  Hoffman, Andrew 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Medicine - Endocrinology/Gerontology/Metab
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Clinical Focus

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  Research Interest

  Mechanism of genomic imprinting of insulin like growth factor-2 and other genes.Long range chromatin interactions Role of histone modifications and DNA methylation in gene expression.

• 
  Hu, Mickey 
  Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Member, Cancer Center
• 
  Jackson, Peter 
  Academic Appointments

  • Member, Cancer Center
  • Member, Bio-X
  Research Interest

  Cell cycle and cyclin control of DNA replication .

• 
  Khavari, Paul 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Dermatology
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  We work in epithelial tissue as a model system to study stem cell biology, cancer and new molecular therapeutics. Epithelia cover external and internal body surfaces and undergo constant self-renewal while responding to diverse environmental stimuli. Epithelial homeostasis precisely balances stem cell-sustained proliferation and differentiation-associated cell death, a balance which is lost in many human diseases, including cancer, 90% of which arise in epithelial tissues.

• 
  Krasnow, Mark 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Biochemistry
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Genetic and molecular basis of respiratory system development, maintenance, and disease in Drosophila, mouse, and human

• 
  Kuo, Calvin J
  Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Medicine - Hematology
  • Member, Cancer Center
  • Member, Bio-X
  Clinical Focus

  • Medical Oncology
  Research Interest

  Our laboratory explores a variety of projects including angiogenesis, intestinal stem cell biology, and hepatic insulin resistance. Studies in angiogenesis include characterization of endothelial microRNA and GPCR ko mice, and anti-angiogenic therapy of cancer. Our work on intestinal stem cell biology utilizes primary intestinal culture and in vivo adenoviral/ko strategies to study stem cells and model colon cancer. Investigations into mechanisms of hepatic insulin resistance are underway.

• 
  Lavori, Philip 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Health Research & Policy - Biostatistics
  • Professor (By courtesy), Statistics
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Biostatistics, clinical trials, longitudinal studies, casual inference from observational studies, genetic tissue banking, informed consent. Trial designs for dynamic (adaptive) treatment regimes, psychiatric research, cancer.

• 
  Lipsick, Joseph 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Pathology
  • Professor, Genetics
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Function and evolution of the Myb oncogene family; function and evolution of E2F transcriptional regulators and RB tumor suppressors; epigenetic regulation of chromatin and chromosomes; cancer genetics.

• 
  Nelson, W James 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Biology (School of Humanities and Sciences)
  • Professor, Molecular & Cellular Physiology
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Our research objectives are to understand the cellular mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of epithelial cell polarity. Polarized epithelial cells play fundamental roles in the ontogeny and function of a variety of tissues and organs.

• 
  Oro, Anthony 
  Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Dermatology
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Clinical Focus

  • Dermatology
  • Skin Cancer
  • Hair disorders
  Research Interest

  Hedgehog signaling has been implicated in the induction or maintenance of up to 25% of human tumors and a variety of birth defects. Our lab studies Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling in normal hair follicle development and in the pathogenesis of the most common human tumor, basal cell carcinoma (BCCs) of the skin. We are interested in how the local stromal environment regulates hedgehog signaling and hair follicle or tumor growth and invasion.

• 
  Peehl, Donna 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor (Research), Urology
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  My research focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of the human prostate. Developing realistic experimental models is a major goal, and primary cultures of prostatic epithelial and stromal cells are my main model system. Our discoveries are relevant to prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant prostatic diseases.

• 
  Pfeffer, Suzanne 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Biochemistry
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  The goal of our research is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which proteins are targeted to specific membrane compartments. How do transport vesicles select their contents, bud, translocate through the cytoplasm, and then fuse with their targets? We study the Ras-like Rab GTPases--how they are localized to distinct intracellular compartments in human cells, and how they serve as master regulators of all receptor trafficking events.

• 
  Sage, Julien 
  Academic Appointments

  • Assistant Professor, Pediatrics - Cancer Biology
  • Assistant Professor, Genetics
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Our goal is to define the molecular basis of cancer initiation and progression, focusing on the RB (retinoblastoma) tumor suppressor gene family. In particular, we investigate how RB and its family members p107 and p130 control embryonic and adult stem cells to ensure normal development and prevent cancer.

• 
  Snyder, Michael 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Genetics
  • Member, Cancer Center
• 
  Straight, Aaron F
  Academic Appointments

  • Assistant Professor, Biochemistry
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  We study the process of cell division. Our research is focused on understanding how chromosomes are segregated during mitosis and how cells divide during cytokinesis.

• 
  Sun, Zijie 
  Academic Appointments

  • Associate Professor, Urology
  • Associate Professor, Genetics
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  My laboratory focuses on understanding the transcriptional processes that govern the transformation of normal mammalian cells to neoplastic state.

• 
  Sweet-Cordero, Alejandro 
  Academic Appointments

  • Assistant Professor, Pediatrics - Cancer Biology
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Clinical Focus

  • Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
  Research Interest

  Our laboratory is devoted to the analysis of pathways involved in the initiation, progression, and maintenance of cancer. Utilizing the mouse as a model system, we strive to understand aberrant oncogenic signaling, the role of the tumor microenvironment and the mechanisms involved in chemotherapy response and resistance at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.

  Practices at Stanford Hospital and Clinics and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
• 
  Wang, Teresa 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Pathology
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  The main focus of our research is to understand how cells maintain genome integrity by checkpoint mechanisms during chromosome replication.

• 
  Weis, William 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Structural Biology
  • Professor, Molecular & Cellular Physiology
  • Member, Bio-X
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Our laboratory studies molecular interactions that underlie the establishment and maintenance of cell and tissue structure. Our specific areas of interest are the targeted delivery of proteins to intracellular membranes, the architecture and dynamics of intercellular adhesion junctions, and signaling pathways that govern cell fate determination. We also have a long-standing interest in carbohydrate-based cellular recognition and adhesion.

• 
  Wong, Albert 
  Academic Appointments

  • Professor, Neurosurgery
  • Member, Cancer Center
  Research Interest

  Our goal is to define targets for cancer therapeutics by identifying alterations in signal transduction proteins. We first identified a naturally occurring mutant EGF receptor (EGFRvIII) and then delineated its unique signal transduction pathway. This work led to the identification of Gab1 followed by the discovery that JNK is constitutively active in tumors. We intiated using altered proteins as the target for vaccination, where an EGFRvIII based vaccine appears to be highly effective.