Dr. Joseph Schlessinger

Biography

Joseph Schlessinger is the William H. Prusoff Professor of Pharmacology at Yale University. His research primarily focuses on the critical role of tyrosine phosphorylation in the regulation of various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, migration, and survival. Schlessinger has made significant contributions to the field by determining the crystal structures of various receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands, such as Stem Cell Factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor. His work has provided insights into the structural basis for the activation of these kinases and has enabled the development of specific inhibitors that are currently being tested in clinical trials. He is also involved in exploring the intricate signaling networks activated by receptor tyrosine kinases, which further our understanding of various cancers and diseases linked to RTK dysfunction. Schlessinger has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to cancer research and is recognized as a leading figure in pharmacology and molecular biology.

Research Interests