Karen Cichowski, PhD

Brigham And Women's Hospital

Academic Titles

Professor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Research Program Affiliation

Member, Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics

Member, Neuro-Oncology

Research Abstract

The focus of my laboratory is to elucidate how deregulated cell signaling drives cancer. To achieve this we have been taking a multi-faceted approach; combining mouse modeling techniques with basic biochemical and cell biological studies. One of the most commonly deregulated signaling pathways in human cancer is the Ras pathway. Mutations can occur in Ras itself, upstream regulators, or downstream effectors. Therefore we have been focusing on how this pathway promotes nervous system, lung, prostate, and breast cancers. We have also been using our mouse models and insight to develop novel therapies, several of which have been developed into clinical trials.