Peter M. Glazer

Peter M. Glazer is the Robert E. Hunter Professor of Therapeutic Radiology and Professor of Genetics at Yale School of Medicine, where he also serves as Chair of the Department of Therapeutic Radiology. He is a leading radiation oncologist and molecular biologist whose work bridges clinical care at Smilow Cancer Hospital with groundbreaking research in DNA repair and gene editing. His lab is central to Yale's interdisciplinary efforts in cancer therapy, nanomedicine, and fetal gene correction.

Education:

• MD, PhD – Yale University (1987)
• MSc in Biochemistry – University of Oxford (1981)
• BA in Chemistry – Harvard University (1979)

Dr. Glazer's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair, particularly how hypoxia and oncometabolites suppress homologous recombination, creating vulnerabilities exploitable by PARP inhibitors. His lab pioneered the use of triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) for site-specific gene editing, advancing treatments for cystic fibrosis and thalassemia through nanoparticle delivery. His recent work explores pH-sensitive targeting, in utero gene editing, and CRISPR-Cas9 regulation.

His most recent publications reveal a strong trend toward translational gene therapy, especially for monogenic diseases and cancer. Key themes include in utero intervention, nanoparticle biodistribution, tumor microenvironment targeting, and precision gene correction. This body of work reflects a shift from basic DNA repair mechanisms to applied nanotherapeutics and clinical innovation.

Scientific Awards:

• Elected to the National Academy of Medicine (2022)
• NIH National Cancer Institute Outstanding Investigator Award ($7 million)

Dr. Glazer leads the Glazer Lab and collaborates extensively with researchers in genetics, biomedical engineering, and immunology. He is involved in major initiatives such as the Yale Cancer Center, the Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, and the K12 Calabresi Immuno-Oncology Training Program. His work is supported by significant grants, including the NCI Outstanding Investigator Award, and he mentors a broad network of scientists and clinicians. His lab has developed novel platforms for gene editing and radiosensitization, with ongoing clinical trials based on his discoveries.

Research Teams and Labs:

• Glazer Lab – Focus on DNA repair, gene targeting, and nanoparticle delivery
• Collaborations with Saltzman Lab (biomaterials), Egan Lab (cystic fibrosis), and Bindra Lab (oncometabolites)
• Member of Yale Cancer Center, Yale Stem Cell Center, and Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute