Gustavo W. Leone

Gustavo W. Leone, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). He serves as Director of the MCW Cancer Center and Senior Associate Dean of Cancer Research. His academic journey includes a PhD in Virology from the University of Calgary (1994), a BS in Biochemistry (1988), and postdoctoral training at Duke University Medical Center (1994–1998). Prior to MCW, he led the NCI-designated Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (2017–2020).

Dr. Leone’s research focuses on Rb/E2F and PTEN signaling pathways in cancer development, particularly in endometrial, liver, pancreatic, and breast cancers. His work integrates genetic models (e.g., mice, worms) to study cell cycle control, endoreduplication, and tumor microenvironment dynamics. Key contributions include seminal findings on Cyclin-Dependent Kinases’ role in cell cycle regulation and mechanisms of reovirus entry into host cells.

His recent publications span topics like epigenetic regulation in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer, pancreatic tumor microenvironment immunosuppression, and fibroblast origins in cancer progression. Collaborations emphasize community engagement, such as culturally tailored cancer education campaigns. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text, but his leadership roles highlight institutional recognition.

Dr. Leone advises a research group but no specific student names are documented here. His professional roles include multidisciplinary leadership in cancer research and clinical translation. His work bridges basic science and translational oncology, with a focus on stromal cell biology and therapeutic targets.