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Honoring David Livingston, MD It is with the deepest regret that Cancer Biology announces the loss of our dear friend and colleague, David Livingston, MD, who passed away unexpectedly on October 17, 2021, at the age of 80. A member of the Dana-Farber cancer research community since 1973, David researched the molecular origins of breast and ovarian cancer and the role of tumor suppressors in cell growth control. His discoveries profoundly influenced our understanding of basic principles driving cell transformation. He was a lion in science, a champion for cancer research at Dana-Farber and beyond, and a dear friend. We will miss him terribly. Acupuncture Explained in Nature Article by Qiufu Ma Congratulations to Qiufu on the publication of his discovery of how electroacupuncture stimulation selectively and specifically modulates body physiology at distant sites. In this groundbreaking study published in the October 13, 2021 issue of Nature, Qiufu opens a door to understanding a millennia-old mystery. Using intersectional genetics, Qiufu identified a population of sensory neurons that, when stimulated via a specific acupoint, activate a vagal-adrenal circuit that inhibits an endotoxin-induced release of inflammatory cytokines. Qiufu’s discovery shows how the regional specificity of these neurons explains the acupoint specificity of the anti-inflammatory response. New York Times Article on Bruce Spiegelman’s Irisin Nature Metabolism Paper Congratulations to Bruce on his recent Nature Metabolism paper, Exercise hormone irisin is a critical regulator of cognitive function. This paper presents an intriguing model in which irisin released from exercised muscle crosses the blood-brain barrier to promote the proper maturation and function of adult-born hippocampal neurons. The New York Times recognized the importance of this work and its far-reaching implications in an article published on August 25. Everyone get on those treadmills!
It is with the deepest regret that Cancer Biology announces the loss of our dear friend and colleague, David Livingston, MD, who passed away unexpectedly on October 17, 2021, at the age of 80. A member of the Dana-Farber cancer research community since 1973, David researched the molecular origins of breast and ovarian cancer and the role of tumor suppressors in cell growth control. His discoveries profoundly influenced our understanding of basic principles driving cell transformation. He was a lion in science, a champion for cancer research at Dana-Farber and beyond, and a dear friend. We will miss him terribly.
Congratulations to Qiufu on the publication of his discovery of how electroacupuncture stimulation selectively and specifically modulates body physiology at distant sites. In this groundbreaking study published in the October 13, 2021 issue of Nature, Qiufu opens a door to understanding a millennia-old mystery. Using intersectional genetics, Qiufu identified a population of sensory neurons that, when stimulated via a specific acupoint, activate a vagal-adrenal circuit that inhibits an endotoxin-induced release of inflammatory cytokines. Qiufu’s discovery shows how the regional specificity of these neurons explains the acupoint specificity of the anti-inflammatory response.
Congratulations to Bruce on his recent Nature Metabolism paper, Exercise hormone irisin is a critical regulator of cognitive function. This paper presents an intriguing model in which irisin released from exercised muscle crosses the blood-brain barrier to promote the proper maturation and function of adult-born hippocampal neurons. The New York Times recognized the importance of this work and its far-reaching implications in an article published on August 25. Everyone get on those treadmills!
The Department of Cancer Biology performs lab-based research investigating the molecular pathways driving cancer. We use discoveries about the basic functioning of these pathways to develop novel cancer diagnostics and precision treatments.
A major challenge for cancer therapy is the generation of medicines that kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. The promise of precision medicine lies in the ability to target the molecular pathways specific to individual cancer types.
Under the leadership of Department Chair Bradley Bernstein, MD, PhD, our 25 independent faculty and more than 300 laboratory personnel combine structural, chemical, genetic, computational, and biochemical approaches to identify molecular vulnerabilities unique to cancer cells, and to generate novel compounds with therapeutic potential.
Our team has contributed directly and indirectly to a new generation of smart drugs such as imatinib (Gleevec) and gefitinib (Iressa) — bringing the promise of precision medicine closer to reality.
To learn more about the many ways you can support Dana-Farber's research initiatives with a philanthropic gift, please contact Rebecca Shortle at 617-632-4215 or rebecca_shortle@dfci.harvard.edu.
View publications by members of the Department of Cancer Biology.
