Dr. Alice Berger is an expert in discovering how changes to our genetic code lead to cancer. She works to translate these insights into new drug targets and biomarkers to benefit patients. Deep examinations of the genetic code in tumors highlight many mutations, or alterations in DNA sequence — but it’s not always clear which mutations are important or how they will affect the function of the protein encoded by the altered gene. Dr. Berger has developed methods that help assess both the functional consequences of gene alterations and how these changes lead to cancer. In particular, she focuses on lung adenocarcinoma and the role that changes to a gene called RIT1 play in tumor formation. By better understanding the function of RIT1 and the molecular pathways it regulates, Dr. Berger hopes to discover possible targets for new therapies.

Lung Cancer, Health, Researcher Science, Physician, Genetics, Cancer, Oncology, Professors,