Name Ashok Venkitaraman | ||
 | ||
Institutions University of Cambridge Alma mater Christian Medical College & Hospital
University of London (PhD) | ||
Institution University of Cambridge | ||
Prof ashok venkitaraman ursula zoellner professor of cancer research
Ashok Venkitaraman is a British cancer researcher. He is the Ursula Zoellner Professor of Cancer Research at the University of Cambridge, and the Director of the Medical Research Council Cancer Unit.
Contents
- Prof ashok venkitaraman ursula zoellner professor of cancer research
- Distinguished lecture by prof ashok venkitaraman
- Education
- Research
- Honours
- References
Distinguished lecture by prof ashok venkitaraman
Education
Venkitaraman initially trained in medicine at the Christian Medical College, Vellore, India, before completing his PhD at University College London. He undertook post-doctoral research at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, before becoming a member of its faculty. In 1998 he was elected as the first holder of the Zoellner Professorship.
Research
Venkitaraman is widely recognised for his research into chromosomal instability and cancer, particularly with relation to the breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA2. Professor Venkitaraman and his research group were among the first to elucidate the function of BRCA2 in guarding the integrity of human chromosomes, and its role in the development of cancers. Combining structural, biophysical, biochemical, genetic and molecular biologic approaches, Venkitaraman’s work helps to explain how BRCA2 monitors the duplication, repair and segregation of genetic information encoded in chromosomes. These insights have subsequently led to the development of new treatments for cancers arising in patients who carry BRCA2 mutations. Venkitaraman’s work on BRCA2 has also provided a conceptual framework for understanding other human genetic diseases in which chromosomal instability is connected with predisposition to cancer.
Venkitaraman leads a number of collaborative research initiatives with centres in India. He has worked extensively with industry to help develop drugs against cancer and other diseases. Having completed appointments with Astex Therapeutics, Cambridge Antibody Technology/MedImmune, he is currently the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board and a Non-Executive Director of Sentinel Oncology.
Venkitaraman is also a Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge.