Gopal Iyer, PhD

Gopal Iyer, PhD

Assistant Professor

Department of Human Oncology

I am an assistant professor in the Department of Human Oncology. My lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of lung and pancreatic cancer development and its progression towards metastasis. Towards this effort, we apply experimental biophysical, optical imaging and computational approaches to analyze genes that are dysregulated in these cancers. We decipher the role of these gene mutations identified through genome sequencing efforts through external perturbations in cell lines, tissue slices and mouse models, closely mimicking therapeutic interventions. This approach could eventually lead to tailored treatments of patients and increase survival outcomes.

My laboratory fosters a multidisciplinary environment that bridges physics, chemistry and biology with the aim of training undergraduate, graduate and medical students towards aligning their interests in challenging questions in cancer. We constantly interact with biomedical engineers, medical and radiation oncologists and pathology experts to further our understanding of the clinical manifestations of the various stages of cancer. With our combined efforts, I hope to improve patients’ quality of life.

Education

Postdoc, University of California, Los Angeles & Stanford University, Biophysics (2011)

PhD, University of California, Berkeley & M.S. University of Baroda, India, Microbiology (2004)

MS, M.S. University of Baroda, India, Biotechnology (1990)

BS, M.S. University of Baroda, India, Chemistry, Botany (1988)

Academic Appointments

Assistant Professor, Human Oncology (2016)

Selected Honors and Awards

Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship (1997-2000)

Council of Scientific Industrial Research Scholarship (CSIR-INDIA) (1997-2000)

Department of Biotechnology Scholarship from Government of India for M.Sc Program (1988-1990)

Research Focus

Epigenetics and Phophorylation Processes, Acquired and Intrinsic Resistance to Cancer Therapy


Dr. Gopal Iyer is a cancer biologist whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of lung and pancreatic cancer development and progression toward metastasis.