Harvard Catalyst Profiles

The Viswanathan lab uses cutting-edge genomic and genome-scale functional genetic technologies to dissect the molecular underpinnings and vulnerabilities of cancer, with a focus on genitourinary cancers (particularly cancers of the prostate and kidney). Several exciting opportunities are currently available for an HMS student. Some prior experience in a laboratory environment would be preferred to maximize the yield of the experience. Most projects have opportunities for both wet-lab and dry-lab (bioinformatics) involvement. Potential areas of research include the following: 1. Use of functional genetic (CRISPR) screening and large-scale mass spectrometry to identify new drug targets in castration-resistant prostate cancer. 2. Genetic and drug-screening of kidney cancer models in order to identify new therapies for rare and aggressive kidney cancer histologies. 3. Molecular biology and biochemistry studies to understand the basic mechanisms by which oncogenes in prostate and kidney cancers drive these diseases. 4. Analysis of whole genome and transcriptome sequencing data from patients with prostate and kidney cancers. Please see lab website: https://viswanathanlab.dana-farber.org/ for additional details.