Rosalie C. Sears

Rosalie C. Sears is a full Professor in the Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). She holds affiliations as Co-Director of the Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care and a senior member of the Knight Cancer Institute. Her research focuses on cellular signaling pathways controlling tumor behavior, particularly the c-Myc oncoprotein’s role in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Dr. Sears has pioneered mouse models of breast and pancreatic cancer, and her lab develops novel therapeutics targeting Myc-driven cancers, including a PP2A activator demonstrating efficacy in preclinical studies.

Education: B.S. Biology (Reed College, 1986), Ph.D. Cell Biology (Vanderbilt University, 1993), postdoctoral training in Genetics at Duke University. Funding sources include NIH, Department of Defense, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and private foundations.

Research interests span cancer genetics, proteolysis, apoptosis, mouse models, and signal transduction. Her lab’s work integrates genomic approaches, spatial imaging, and translational drug development to address pancreatic and breast cancer challenges. Key publications highlight innovations in early detection (e.g., nanosensor assays), therapeutic targeting (BARD1/MyC pathways), and tumor microenvironment dynamics.

• Awards: Research and business innovation awards in cancer biology, therapeutics, and technology.
• Grants: NIH, DoD, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
• Labs/Teams: Sears Lab (OHSU), Brenden-Colson Center collaborations, Knight Cancer Institute initiatives.

Future directions include refining PP2A-based therapies, optimizing pancreatic cancer early detection tools, and exploring tumor-stromal interactions in metastasis. The lab actively engages in global initiatives like the PRECEDE study for early cancer detection.