About
Dr. Gerd Pfeifer is a Professor in the Department of Epigenetics at Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), specializing in epigenetics and DNA methylation. His research focuses on understanding how epigenetic and genetic alterations contribute to cancer and other diseases. He holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Goethe University (Germany) and previously served as a professor and department chair at the Beckman Research Institute (City of Hope). Notable roles include Program Leader for lung cancer and DNA repair research, and director of the VARI Epigenetics Laboratory.
- Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry (Goethe University, Frankfurt)
- Leadership: Former Chair of Department of Biology and Cancer Biology at City of Hope (2001–2012)
- Awards: AAAS Fellow (2015)
Research interests include DNA methylation/demethylation pathways, TET protein function, mutagenesis mechanisms in cancer, and UVA-induced skin cancer. His lab develops innovative methods like 'circle-damage-sequencing' to map DNA damage genome-wide. Key projects investigate TET enzymes' role in epigenetic regulation, melanoma mutation origins, and SMCHD1's impact on DNA methylation in embryonic stem cells.
Publications span over 200 peer-reviewed articles, including high-impact studies in Science Advances, Nature, and Cell. Collaborations include clinical trials through the VAI-SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team and Parkinson's research initiatives.
- Lab Team: Includes postdoctoral fellows (e.g., Reid Blanchett) and researchers (Wei Cui, Seung-Gi Jin)
- Impact: 63 high-impact papers in 2024, 15 clinical trials launched
Current work addresses DNA repair in neurons, epigenetic drivers of cancer, and links between inflammation and epigenetic changes in tumors.
