From Basic Research to Biotechnology Development: My Experience
Professor Wen-Hwa Lee 李文華 院士
Alice P. McDermott Distinguished University Chair and Director,
Department of Molecular Medicine/Institute of Biotechnology, UTHSCSA
摘要：
Major research interest is to unravel the molecular and genetic basis of cancer formation. Through these basic understandings, novel methods of clinical intervention of cancer can be developed and will be beneficial to society. Most significant contribution is the identification of the first human tumor suppressor gene and establishment of the cancer suppression function of the gene. These findings provide a critical foundation for a novel strategy for the treatment of clinical malignancy through gene therapy.
My many years' professional experience from basic research to advanced biotechnology development has been very challenging and rewarding. To unravel and understand the molecular and genetic basis of the cancer formation has been a critical task to the medical treatment in this area. With the understanding and comprehension of the basis of cancer formation, several novel methods of clinical intervention and treatment of cancer can be developed. Cancer is one of key factors that affect human life. The patient suffers, the family suffers, and the society loses too. Our research in this area will be quite a beneficial to human being and the society as a whole.
The most significant contribution so far in this cancer formation research is the identification of the first human tumor suppressor gene and the establishment of the cancer suppression function of the gene. Identification of this suppressor gene is a big step among many others in tackling the complexity of cancer formation. With this identification it allows us to establish the cancer suppression function of the gene. We realize there are still many areas remain to be discovered, nevertheless, the findings from research have provided a critical and significant foundation for a novel strategy for the treatment of clinical malignancy through gene therapy.
簡歷：
Professor Lee received his Ph.D in Molecular Biology from University of California, Berkeley in 1981. He is an elected distinguished member of Academia Sinica, Republic of China. Professor Lee has received many honors and rewards from many institutes and organizations. He is currently the Director of the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and also serving at various organizations' advisor committees.
Present Position:
- Alice P. McDermott Distinguished University Chair and Director, Department of Molecular Medicine/Institute of Biotechnology
- Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Current Advisory and Service Positions:
- Member, Advisory Committee, Children's Cancer Research Center, UTHSCSA
- Chairman of Cancer Review Panel, National Health Research Institutes, Taipei, Taiwan
- Member, Advisory Committee for Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Industries Program Office
- Member, NCI Cancer Center Review Subcommittee A
- Member, Advisory Committee, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica
- Councilor for Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America
- Member Board of Scientific Advisors, Cancer Institute of Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Fonder and Board of Directors, GeneTex
Honors:
- F.E. Shideman-Sterling Award, University of Minnesota (1999)
- Li Shih-Chen Distinguisher Lectureship, University of Pittsburgh (1999)
- Elected Member, Academia Sinica, Republic of China (1994)
- Alcon Research Award (1994)
- Keynote Speaker, 20th Annual ICSABER Forum, Ohio State University at Columbus (1994)
- Outstanding Scientific Achievement in Biosciences presented by the Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (1992)
- Alice P. McDermott Distinguished University Chair Professor, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (1991)
- National Institute of Health Director Lectureship (1991)