Dr. David Fisher

Biography

David E. Fisher is a distinguished researcher in the field of dermatology, serving as the Lancer Professor and Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. His work focuses on the biology of skin cancer and the underlying mechanisms of cell death and proliferation. Fisher's research investigates critical pathways involved in melanoma, examining how normal melanocyte development and malignant transformation are governed by genetic and environmental factors. His studies include the exploration of BRAF and N-Ras oncogenes' mutations in benign moles and the role of melanocyte death in hair follicle function. He has identified a transcriptional network essential for melanoma cell survival, using various methodologies including mouse models and human tumor expression analyses. Fisher's additional interests encompass the functional roles of the MITF transcription factor in cancer and developing new therapeutics through small molecule drug screenings. He aims to translate his findings into effective therapies for melanoma and related skin cancers, leveraging in-depth mechanistic studies and innovative model systems.

Research Interests

Experience