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Expert in Genome Stability Joins University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute

PITTSBURGH, September 23, 2008 – Ben Van Houten, PhD, an internationally renowned expert in DNA repair research, has joined the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) as Leader of the Molecular and Cell Biology Program in the Hillman Cancer Center. In addition, Dr. Van Houten is serving as the Richard M. Cyert Professor of Molecular Oncology in the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology.

At UPCI, Dr. Van Houten envisions the Molecular and Cell Biology Program (MCBP) to gain new insights into the basis of neoplastic transformation. The MCBP focuses on several fundamental processes that are altered or disrupted in cancer cells. Understanding these basic processes allows for targeted chemotherapeutic intervention which can be used to slow the growth or kill the tumor cells. This group is also interested in how environmental and endogenous factors can damage our genetic material causing mutations in critical cellular genes controlling cell growth and differentiation. The major research areas in this program include: genome stability and DNA repair, cell-cycle control, apoptosis, gene regulation, signal transduction, stress responses, and mitochondrial physiology. Dr. Van Houten’s own research focuses on the formation and repair of DNA damage in nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. His research laboratory is particularly interested in the structure and function of proteins that mediate nucleotide excision repair and the role of oxidative stress in human disease. “Imagine a small army of proteins constantly surveying our genetic material for damage - our group studies how these proteins bind to and fix DNA damage,” stated Dr. Van Houten. With regard to directing the MCB Program, Dr. Van Houten said, “It’s a very exciting time to be working in this field, as we are slowly unlocking the key steps that lead a normal cell into a cancer cell. UPCI has made an amazing commitment to continue to build this great program.”

“I am delighted that Dr. Van Houten has joined UPCI,” said Ronald Herberman, MD, director of UPCI and the UPMC Cancer Centers. “He brings not only a remarkable level of expertise in DNA damage and repair but also an impressive understanding of overall molecular processes and pathways that contribute to the development and progression of cancer. In addition, through his role as a leader of a major extramural grant portfolio at NIH, he has a deep understanding of how the peer review funding processes work and the effective strategies to obtain grant funding even during a period of tight NIH budgets.”

After holding professorships at the University of Vermont and University of Texas Medical Branch, Dr. Van Houten began his career at NIEHS in 1999 with a precedent-setting dual appointment in the Division of Extramural Research (DERT) and Division of Intramural Research. In his work with DERT, Dr. Van Houten headed the Program Analysis Branch, which evaluates the Institute’s extramural grant portfolio in order to set priorities, formulate strategic plans, and assure the maximum benefits of research funding.

During his tenure at NIEHS, Dr. Van Houten was recognized as a leading authority in DNA repair and mitochondrial disease. His research interests also included “omics” methodologies and systems biology approaches.

Dr. Van Houten has authored over 121 scientific articles, as well as 17 book chapters and reviews. He currently serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, Mutation Research, DNA Repair, and Mitochondrion. He was the chair of the 2005 Gordon Research Conference on Genetic Toxicology and co-chair of the 2007 Gordon Research Conference on Oxidative Stress and Disease.

While at the NIEHS, Dr. Van Houten was recognized with five NIH Merit Awards and an NIH Director’s Award. In May, he received the “Medal of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) for Support of Science,” the most recent of many honors and awards.

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UPMC Media Relations