Science Shorts - From Bagel Baker to Cancer Researcher

TL;DR

Eric Wang's journey from family bagel business to leukemia research.

Transcript

Thanks so it's a real honor for me to introduce to you Eric Wang i started my lab here at Cold Spring Harbor seven years ago and Eric was the first person that I hired to join a lab in the first few years our lab was just really he and I working a way to start a lab to study leukemia biology since then our lab has grown and Eric has really played a... Read More

Key Insights

• Eric Wang started his career at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory as the first hire of Chris Vakoc, focusing on leukemia biology research.
• Eric's family owns a bagel business, which played a significant role in his upbringing and early work experience.
• Despite lacking prior research experience, Eric quickly adapted and learned molecular biology and genetics under Chris's mentorship.
• Eric's significant contribution includes identifying a new drug target for acute myeloid leukemia, published in Nature in 2011.
• The Brd4 inhibitor drug, tested by Eric, showed promising results in reducing leukemia progression in mice and is now in clinical trials.
• A notable case involved a 74-year-old woman whose leukemia cells were eliminated after treatment with the Brd4 inhibitor.
• Eric's work exemplifies how basic research can translate into clinical applications, impacting patients' lives positively.
• Eric plans to pursue a Ph.D. program to lead his own cancer research lab, inspired by his transformative experience at Cold Spring Harbor.

Questions & Answers

Q: What role did Eric Wang play in Chris Vakoc's lab?

Eric Wang was the first hire in Chris Vakoc's lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. He played an instrumental role in various projects, particularly in leukemia biology research. His contributions were significant in identifying a new drug target for acute myeloid leukemia, which led to promising clinical trials.

Q: How did Eric Wang's family background influence his career?

Eric Wang's family owns a bagel business, which was integral to his upbringing. This experience instilled a strong work ethic and provided his initial work experience. Despite this non-scientific background, he successfully transitioned into cancer research, illustrating that diverse experiences can contribute to scientific careers.

Q: What was the significant discovery made by Eric Wang and Chris Vakoc?

Eric Wang and Chris Vakoc identified a new drug target for acute myeloid leukemia, specifically a Brd4 inhibitor. This discovery was published in Nature in 2011 and showed promising results in reducing leukemia progression in mice, leading to clinical trials and potential new treatments for patients.

Q: What were the outcomes of the clinical trials involving the Brd4 inhibitor?

The clinical trials involving the Brd4 inhibitor showed promising outcomes, including a case where a 74-year-old woman's leukemia cells were completely eliminated after treatment. This demonstrated the drug's potential effectiveness in treating acute myeloid leukemia and highlighted the impact of Eric's research on patient outcomes.

Q: How did Eric Wang's research impact his career aspirations?

Eric Wang's research experience at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory profoundly influenced his career aspirations. It sparked his interest in cancer research and motivated him to pursue a Ph.D. program. He aims to lead his own research lab, inspired by the transformative impact of his work on patient treatment and outcomes.

Q: What advice does Eric Wang offer to those interested in biology?

Eric Wang advises individuals to explore biology and its potential to impact lives. He emphasizes that it's never too late to learn about biology and encourages people to engage with scientific research. His journey from a non-scientific background to a successful researcher serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists.

Q: What was Chris Vakoc's role in Eric Wang's career development?

Chris Vakoc played a crucial role as a mentor to Eric Wang, teaching him molecular biology and genetics. Chris's guidance was instrumental in Eric's transition from a non-scientific background to a key researcher in leukemia biology, demonstrating the importance of mentorship in scientific careers.

Q: What future plans does Eric Wang have in the field of cancer research?

Eric Wang plans to pursue a Ph.D. program in cancer research, with the goal of leading his own research lab. His experiences at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have fueled his passion for biological sciences and inspired him to continue contributing to advancements in cancer treatment and research.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Eric Wang transitioned from working in his family's bagel business to becoming a key researcher at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, focusing on leukemia biology. His journey highlights the impact of mentorship and the potential of basic research in clinical applications.

• Eric played a crucial role in identifying a drug target for acute myeloid leukemia, leading to promising clinical trials. His work exemplifies the translation of lab research to real-world medical advancements, significantly impacting patient treatment and outcomes.

• Eric's experience at Cold Spring Harbor has inspired him to pursue a Ph.D. in cancer research, aiming to lead his own lab. His story encourages others to explore biology and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and exploration.