MD Anderson nominates leading cancer researchers for prestigious faculty positions

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss significant nominations for research positions and the advancement of cancer research initiatives. The meeting highlighted the nominations of several distinguished candidates for established investigator awards and tenure-track faculty positions, emphasizing their innovative research proposals aimed at combating cancer.

The meeting commenced with the nomination of Dr. Gautier from MD Anderson Cancer Center for an established investigator award. Dr. Gautier is recognized for his pioneering work in cell cycle regulation and genome stability. His proposed research focuses on how three-dimensional genome organization affects genome integrity, which could lead to new cancer therapies targeting genome vulnerabilities.

Next, Dr. Andrew Feinberg from Texas A&M University was nominated for a similar award. Dr. Feinberg is a leading figure in cancer epigenetics, credited with discovering altered DNA methylation in cancer cells. His research aims to explore epigenetic changes in early pancreatic cancer development, with the goal of developing interventions for various cancers.

The committee then moved on to discuss nominees for first-time tenure-track faculty positions, beginning with Dr. Matthew Jones, who has been nominated for an assistant professor role in the Department of Systems Biology. Dr. Jones's research on extra chromosomal DNA aims to enhance understanding of tumor evolution and progression.

Dr. Benjamin Schrank, also nominated for an assistant professor position in radiation oncology, is focused on transforming extra chromosomal DNA into a target for immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. His innovative approach involves using antibody drug conjugates to stimulate immune responses against tumors.

Other notable nominees included Dr. Naladri Sinha, who will investigate how cancer cells reprogram quality control systems to support rapid growth, and Dr. Luigi Pirelli, who aims to identify molecular changes that predict cancer emergence in specific tissues.

Dr. Lena Ahn, nominated for a position at Rice University, plans to utilize AI tools for protein design to create sensors that can detect tumor-specific biochemical cues. Dr. Elisha Greenwald's research will focus on the role of oxygen gradients in glioblastoma, while Dr. Min Ki Han aims to map metabolic signatures in tumors to identify therapeutic targets.

The meeting concluded with the nomination of Dr. Sijuan Liu, who has developed a unique mouse lemur model for studying hepatocellular cancer. Her research will explore immune regulation and cancer progression, providing insights applicable to various cancer types.

Overall, the CPRIT Oversight Committee meeting underscored the commitment to advancing cancer research through innovative proposals from leading scientists, with the potential to significantly impact cancer treatment and patient outcomes. The committee's next steps will involve further evaluation of these nominations and the continuation of support for groundbreaking cancer research initiatives in Texas.