The Viral Oncogenesis Program of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center is a basic science research program that evolved from a well developed working group within the previous Molecular Oncogenesis Program. It was formed as a result of the strength of members of the Cancer Center whose work focuses on viral oncogenesis and related topics. Richard Longnecker, Ph.D., an accomplished cancer virologist, is the Program Leader. The Viral Oncogenesis Program is designed to coordinate and focus molecular virology research at the Cancer Center. It is an interdepartmental program composed of 20 faculty. Specific areas of research include viral oncogenesis, the molecular biology and genetics of viral transcription and replication, virus structure and function, viral pathogenesis, virus entry into susceptible cells, maturation of infectious virions from infected cells, antiviral therapy, and the development of cancer related gene therapy using virus based vectors. The importance of such studies is clearly demonstrated by the observation that over 20% of human cancers may have a viral etiology. This number may increase as yet identified viruses are recognized to be causally associated with malignancy. In addition to linking cancer to a specific cause, which could serve as a target for therapeutic intervention, research on viral oncogenesis has provided major insights in our understanding of mechanisms regulating cellular proliferation and differentiation, as well as neoplastic transformation. Program members are highly interactive and collaborate both intra- and inter-programmatically on a spectrum of projects including translational initiatives. List of 2004 Programmatic Activities.
  

Membership

Membership in a Cancer Center research program is based on the investigator’s preference and the approval of the program leader. A final recommendation is made to the Executive Committee prior to assignment. Cancer Center members are placed in only one basic science program but may also join a clinical, prevention or control program. However, the member is welcome and encouraged to participate in educational activities initiated by any Cancer Center program. Membership in Viral Oncogenesis is based on cancer relevant academic accomplishment in this field and a commitment to contribute to the scientific goals and development of the program.
 

Membership Roster

Office of Basic Science Initiatives
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
2205 Tech Drive, Hogan 4-150 • Evanston, IL 60208-3520
Phone: 847-491-3627 • Fax: 847-491-2224 • E-mail: tkw@northwestern.edu

For questions, comments, or updates concerning this website, please contact b-sutcliffe@northwestern.edu

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
Basic Sciences Division • Viral Oncogenesis • Tumor Invasion, Metastasis and Angiogenesis • Hormone Action and Signal Transduction in Cancer • Cancer Genes and Molecular Regulation • Cancer Cell Biology