Cancer Biology & Genetics Program

The Robert Benezra Lab

Robert Benezra, PhD

Deputy Director for Core Technologies; Laura and Christopher Pucillo Chair in Metastasis Research

My research program focuses on two areas of cell biology: the molecular mechanisms of mammalian cell differentiation and mitotic checkpoint control. Though seemingly unrelated, both areas as described below continue to provide fertile ground for the analysis of molecular mechanisms and have direct application to cancer biology. In the most general terms, we are exploring the role of the Id proteins in controlling the growth and differentiation of tumor cells and the vasculature that supports their growth and metastatic progression. In addition, we are examining the role of the mitotic checkpoint gene Mad2 in maintaining genome stability by ensuring proper chromosome segregation during mitosis.

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Featured News

Decoder

Blood vessels supply tumors with the nutrients they need to grow.

What Is Angiogenesis?

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Cancer biologist Robert Benezra explains angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form, and how it relates to cancer research.

DNA Pioneer Takes Aim at "Cancer Establishments"

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Cancer biologists Mark Ptashne, Robert Benezra, and Hans-Guido Wendel commented on the promise and challenges of new treatments for cancer....

Research Suggests Potential Immune Therapy for Preventing Breast Cancer Metastasis

Thursday, December 1, 2011

A new therapy tested in mouse models appears to harness neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, to effectively prevent the spread of breast cancer cells.

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Publications

Benezra, R., Davis, R.L., Lockshon, D., Turner, D.L. & Weintraub, H. (1990). The protein Id: a negative regulator of helix-loop-helix DNA binding proteins. Cell 61(1):49-59.

Jen, Y., Weintraub, H. & Benezra, R. (1992). Overexpression of Id protein inhibits the muscle differentiation program: in vivo association of Id with E2A proteins. Genes Dev 6(8):1466-79.

Pesce, S. & Benezra, R. (1993). The loop region of the helix-loop-helix protein Id1 is critical for its dominant negative activity. Mol Cell Biol 13(12):7874-80.

Tournay, O. & Benezra, R. (1996). Transcription of the dominant-negative helix-loop-helix protein Id1 is regulated by a protein complex containing the immediate-early response gene Egr-1. Mol Cell Biol 16(5):2418-30.

Li ,Y. & Benezra, R. (1996). Identification of a human mitotic checkpoint gene: hsMAD2. Science 274(5285):246-8.

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People

Robert Benezra, PhD

Deputy Director for Core Technologies; Laura and Christopher Pucillo Chair in Metastasis Research

Cancer biologist Robert Benezra studies the molecular mechanisms of tumor growth and metastatic progression using mouse models. In addition, he studies the spindle assembly checkpoint which ensures proper chromosome segregation and is often deregulated in cancer.
PhD, Columbia University