Michael Berens

Michael Berens, Ph.D., is a Professor and Head of the Glioma Research Lab within the Clinical Genomics and Therapeutics Division at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). His research focuses on primary and metastatic brain cancers, with particular emphasis on gliomas and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Dr. Berens' work centers on three interconnected research pillars: Invasion Biology investigates the "go versus grow" paradigm where cancer cells alternate between migratory and proliferative states, studying gene expression changes during transitions in glioma behavior. Treatment Development focuses on discovering invasion markers as therapeutic targets, screening migration-arresting compounds, and testing synergies with conventional therapies. Correlative Studies to Clinical Trials develops pharmacokinetic assays to detect treatment response and resistance early in drug development.

His lab leads TGen's Brain Tumor Unit, which explores unique tumor-host interactions in the central nervous system. Recent advancements include identifying gene sets that pinpoint glioblastomas vulnerable to therapeutic intervention (2024), establishing a GBM fellowship program (2023), and contributing to machine learning applications for accessible cancer detection through UW collaborations. Research extends to precision aging and Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) studies.

Funding for his glioma research comes primarily from The Ivy Foundation's patient-focused initiatives. Dr. Berens actively disseminates findings through publications, news features, and podcast appearances discussing translational applications of brain tumor research.