Reason for Selection

Theme: p53 as a tumor suppressor gene and an important signaling molecule involved in various cellular functions

Dr. Arnold J. Levine discovered the p53 protein in viral transformed cells and tumors. The c-DNA and gene for the p53 protein were cloned and the gene was shown to be a tumor suppressor gene preventing cancers. Fifty-five percent of all human cancers have mutations in the p53 gene and another twenty to thirty percent of cancers inactivate p53 functions. The p53 protein integrates signals and responds to cellular stress such as DNA damage, poor oxygen tension or inadequate energy sources. The p53 response to stress results in either cell cycle arrest or programmed cell death. The research on p53 will help our understanding of various cellular functions and mechanisms for tumor development.

Background

＜Education＞

1961

B.A., Biology, Harpur College, State University of New York

1966

Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
California Institute of Technology Postdoctoral Fellow of the Public Health Service

1968-1973

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Princeton University

1973-1976

Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Princeton University

1976-1979

Professor of Biochemistry, Princeton University

1979-1983

Chairman and Professor, Department of Microbiology, SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine

1984-1996

The Harry C. Wiess Professor in the Life Sciences, Chair, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University

1996-1998

The Harry C. Wiess Professor in the Life Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University

Present

President & Chief Executive Officer, The Rockefeller University

Reason for Selection

Theme: Elucidation of various genetic diseases through human genome analysis

Dr. Yusuke Nakamura and his coworkers contributed to chromosomal mapping of hereditary diseases and cancer-related genes through isolation and distribution of a large number of polymorphic DNA markers. They also made a number of important findings in the cancer research field; isolation of the APC gene (a tumor suppressor gene for colorectal cancer) as well as p53-target genes including p53R2 (a key enzyme for repairing damaged-DNA) and BAI1 (an angiogenesis inhibitor). In addition, his group discovered genes responsible for genetic diseases including gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy and tip-toe walking, a mouse model of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine. Identification of disease associated genes will lead to development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for diseases.

Background

＜Education＞

1977

Graduated from Osaka University Medical School

1977

Medical Doctor's License in Japan

1984

Ph.D., Molecular genetics, Osaka University

＜Academic Positions＞

1977-1981

Department of Surgery, Osaka University School of Medicine

1981-1984

Research fellow, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Osaka University

1984-1988

Research Associate, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah

1987-1989

Research Assistant Professor, Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah

1989-1989

Senior Associate, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah

1989-1995

Head of Biochemistry Department, Cancer Institute, Tokyo

1994-

Professor, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

1996-1999

Professor, Department of Clinical Genetics, Osaka University School of Medicine

1995-

Director, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

1995-

Head, Division of Genome Analysis, Cancer Institute, Tokyo

1989-1995

Head of Biochemistry Department, Cancer Institute, Tokyo