Brian Lewis

Brian Lewis is a Professor and holds the George F. Booth Chair in the Basic Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School. He has multiple academic appointments across the T.H. Chan School of Medicine and the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, with affiliations in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Program in Molecular Medicine, Radiation Oncology, and several graduate programs including Cancer Biology, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, MD/PhD Program, Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program, and Translational Science.

Dr. Lewis received his educational training from:

• BS in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles (1991)
• PhD in Human Genetics & Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins University (1997)

Dr. Lewis's research focuses on the molecular genetics of pancreatic and liver cancers. His laboratory has generated innovative animal models for pancreatic cancer using the RCAS-TVA gene delivery system, which allows for tissue-specific expression of oncogenes. His work explores the complex relationships between specific genetic alterations, tumor behavior, and signal transduction pathways in cancer development and progression. A key aspect of his research involves understanding how particular genetic changes influence tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis in pancreatic and hepatic carcinomas. His work has significant implications for developing targeted cancer therapies based on understanding underlying molecular defects, similar to the success of Imatinib (Gleevec) in other cancers.

Analysis of Dr. Lewis's recent publications reveals a strong focus on pancreatic cancer mechanisms, particularly examining the roles of oncogenes like KRAS and signaling pathways including Wnt, Hedgehog, and IGF1R. His research consistently explores how genetic alterations such as p53 deletion cooperate with other mutations to drive tumor progression and metastasis. His work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with potential therapeutic applications, investigating how understanding these pathways could lead to more effective cancer treatments.

Dr. Lewis has received several notable scientific awards:

• Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Development Award in the Biomedical Sciences
• Helen Hay Whitney Foundation postdoctoral fellowship
• 2009 recipient of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-AACR Pilot Grant for "Involvement of miRNAs in Kras-Induced Pancreatic Tumorigenesis"

As a principal investigator, Dr. Lewis has mentored numerous students and researchers in his laboratory at the Lazare Research Building. His research is supported by competitive grants including the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Development Award and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-AACR Pilot Grant. His work contributes significantly to the UMass Chan Pancreas Program, a multidisciplinary initiative focused on advancing pancreatic cancer treatment through integrated basic science and clinical research.

Dr. Lewis leads a research laboratory within the UMass Chan Pancreas Program, which is part of a larger collaborative effort involving surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, and other specialties. His basic science research complements the clinical work of the program, creating a comprehensive approach to understanding and treating pancreatic cancer. His laboratory specializes in developing and utilizing novel mouse models to study pancreatic and liver cancer pathogenesis, with particular expertise in the RCAS-TVA gene delivery system.