Dr. William Kaelin

Biography

Dr. William Kaelin is a prominent researcher whose work focuses on the mechanistic understanding of how specific gene mutations lead to cancer, with a particular emphasis on tumor suppressor genes. His laboratory's research is currently centered on the study of VHL and RB tumor suppressor proteins, as well as the oncogenic forms of IDH1 and IDH2. Dr. Kaelin aims to lay the groundwork for new anticancer therapies based on the biochemical functions of these proteins. His contributions to the understanding of the VHL protein played a pivotal role in the successful clinical testing of VEGF inhibitors for kidney cancer treatment, and investigations into HIF2 inhibitors have showcased new therapeutic options for the disease. His work has significant implications for understanding how cells sense and respond to oxygen changes, which is crucial in the context of cancer, anemia, and other conditions such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Recognized with the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Dr. Kaelin has pioneered approaches that utilize genetic and pharmacologic methods to exploit synthetic lethal relationships for cancer therapy.

Research Interests