Gregory J. Hannon

Gregory J. Hannon is a distinguished Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, renowned as one of the world's foremost authorities on small RNA biology and RNA interference. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of gene regulation mechanisms with profound implications for cancer treatment and genome stability.

Hannon's educational background includes training that led to his current position as a leading molecular biologist. His research focuses on the biological roles of small RNAs and the mechanisms by which they operate, with particular emphasis on germ cells (which have the most elaborate set of small RNA pathways) and cancer biology (especially breast and pancreatic cancer).

His laboratory's groundbreaking work has identified and characterized major biogenesis and effector complexes for small interfering RNAs and microRNAs, including Dicer, RISC, and elements of the Microprocessor. More recently, his team has made significant discoveries regarding piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and their role in defending the genome from mobile genetic elements.

Among his most significant publications are studies on the structure of human Argonaute protein, mechanisms of transposon defense in germ cells, and how breast tissue 'remembers' a first pregnancy through epigenetic changes. His research has consistently appeared in top-tier journals, with several publications recognized by Science as 'Breakthrough of the Year.'

• Elected to National Academy of Sciences (2012)
• NIH MERIT Award from National Institute of General Medical Sciences (2013)
• National Academy of Sciences Award in Molecular Biology (2007)
• Geoffrey Marshall Mentoring Award from Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools (2011)
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator

Hannon has mentored 12 postdoctoral fellows and 17 graduate students, with exceptional outcomes including multiple prestigious awards for his trainees. Over 60% of his 200+ publications include graduate student co-authorship. His laboratory has developed innovative technologies including RNAi libraries targeting entire genomes and methods used in Neanderthal genome sequencing. He also serves as director of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, demonstrating his international leadership in cancer research.