Paul S. Meltzer, M.D., Ph.D.

Building 49, Room 4A10
49 Convent Drive, MSC 4470
Bethesda, MD, 20892-4470
(301) 594-5283
pmeltzer@nhgri.nih.gov
B.A., Dartmouth College, 1967
Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, 1972
M.D., University of Tennessee, 1980
Dr. Meltzer works in the Cancer Genetics Branch. Research interests in our laboratory focus on the characterization of genetic alterations in cancer cells and the mechanisms that lead to their development as well as functional characterization of genes involved in these processes and their effects on gene expression. Areas of emphasis include gene amplification and the characterization of chromosome abnormalities by microdissection. Specific projects are directed at the identification and physical mapping of amplified DNA in human solid tumors, particularly breast and ovarian cancers. Using comparative genomic hybridization, conventional cytogenetic analysis, and chromosome microdissection as enabling technologies, we are identifying amplified chromosomal segments and characterizing them in relation to the biology of these diseases.

One of the major problems in cancer biology is defining the downstream targets of altered genes in tumor cells. To address this issue, a novel technology, cDNA microarray hybridization is being developed to analyze the consequences of chromosome anomalies at the level of gene expression. Using a robotic device, it is possible to print thousands of cDNA clones on a single microscope slide. Fluorescent cDNA probes prepared from any cell or tissue source of interest are then hybridized to these arrays providing a large scale view of gene expression. The ultimate goal of this project is genome wide expression analysis. In this fashion, it will be possible to determine the consequences of a given genetic alteration on gene expression. This technology is now being applied in model systems carrying alterations in tumor specific genes affected by translocation, amplification or inactivation.

[Selected Publications] [Cancer Genetics Branch]


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