Benjamin L. Ebert

Benjamin L. Ebert

George P. Canellos, MD, and Jean S. Canellos Professor of Medicine
Benjamin L. Ebert

The Ebert laboratory focuses on the molecular basis and treatment of hematologic malignancies, with a particular focus on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In large-scale genetic analyses of patient samples, the lab has identified somatic mutations that predict prognosis and response to therapies in MDS patients, characterized a pre-malignant state of hematopoietic cells, and derived the molecular ontogeny of genetic lesions in myeloid malignancies. In addition to human genetic studies, the lab has elucidated the biological basis of transformation of hematopoietic cells by these somatic mutations and developed novel in vivo models to study myeloid malignancies. The lab employs genetic and small molecule screens to identify novel therapeutic targets and small molecules for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and sickle cell disease.

The Ebert lab elucidated the mechanism of action of lenalidomide, a derivative of thalidomide. Lenalidomide and related drugs modulate the function of an E3 ubiquitin ligase, inducing drug-dependent degradation of specific substrates that are essential for the survival of multiple myeloma and MDS cells, representing the first drugs that bind and modulate the function of an E3 ubiquitin ligase.

Contact Information

Dana Farber Cancer Institute
D1610a
450 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
p: 617-632-1902

Community or Program Affiliation

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