Sahar Nissim

Sahar Nissim, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an Investigator at both the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). He is affiliated with the Division of Genetics and Prevention at DFCI, the Division of Genetics and Division of Gastroenterology at BWH, and the Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology. As a physician-scientist, Dr. Nissim bridges clinical care and research, specializing in hereditary pancreatic cancer syndromes and the molecular basis of pancreatic cancer initiation.

His research focuses on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that govern pancreatic acinar cell identity and how disruptions in these processes—due to mutations, obesity, or pancreatitis—lead to cancer. Using zebrafish and mouse models, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and CRISPR-based functional genomics, his lab aims to develop interception strategies to prevent pancreatic cancer progression. A major discovery was identifying a germline mutation in RABL3 that alters KRAS trafficking, opening new therapeutic avenues.

Dr. Nissim's recent publications reflect a strong trajectory in cancer genetics, developmental biology, and translational research. His work spans from fundamental developmental pathways (e.g., Nr5a2, PGE2) to clinical applications in hereditary cancer risk and interception. His integrative approach combines patient-derived genetics with preclinical models to uncover novel mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

Though no specific scientific awards are listed in the text, his high-impact publications in journals like Nature Genetics and PNAS underscore significant recognition in the field. He actively mentors trainees and leads the Nissim Lab, which is embedded in the vibrant Harvard Medical School research ecosystem. The lab is currently recruiting, indicating active expansion and engagement in cutting-edge science.