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Janet Davison Rowley Blum Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, Molecular Genetics & Cell Biology and Human Genetics Areas of Expertise:
John Easton |
Background:
In 1972, using new techniques of chromosome identification, Janet Davison Rowley, M.D., discovered the first consistent chromosome translocation in any human cancer, the 8;21 translocation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In a landmark paper in 1973, Dr. Rowley described of the 9;22 translocation in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). At that time, the distinctive marker chromosome in CML, the Philadelphia chromosome, was thought to represent a deletion. Rowley showed that it was due to a balanced translocation. Subsequently, she identified more than a dozen different recurring translocations in children and adults with leukemia and lymphoma.
These discoveries changed the view of cancer researchers regarding the critical importance of recurring chromosome abnormalities in cancer cells and facilitated identification of novel cancer-causing genes at the breakpoint junctions. Her discoveries resulted in more accurate diagnostic techniques and development of effective treatment protocols targeted to particular patient subgroups. Rowley is internationally renowned for her studies of chromosome abnormalities in human leukemia and lymphoma, which have led to cures for previously untreatable cancers and the development of targeted therapies such as Imatinib (Gleevec) for CML.
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News clippings:
Stem cell advances a fraud CHICAGO TRIBUNE December 30, 2005 Profile: Janet Rowley "Scientists Speed Creation of Stem Cells" "Bioethics Panel Suggests Stem Cell Alternatives" "Janet Davison Rowley" |
Press releases:
University of Chicago scientists account for six of Chicago's top 10 scientific achievements Bulletin of Atomic Scientists to observe 60th anniversary with doomsday forum Saturday, Dec. 3 |
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Chronicle articles:
Cohler, Rowley receive Maclean Faculty Awards May 26, 2006 Davison Rowley receives honors for cancer research Rowley receives national science medal AAAS names three fellows from Chicago Davison-Rowley receives prestigious Lasker prize |
Additional materials:
Website |
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