David Cortez, Ph.D.
Chair, Biochemistry
Richard N. Armstrong Ph.D. Chair for Innovation & Professor, Biochemistry
Ingram Professor, Cancer Research
Associate Director for Basic Science Research, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC)
- : david.cortez@vanderbilt.edu
- : (615) 322-8547
- :
613 Light Hall
- : More Information/Publications
Areas of Interest: Cancer Biology; Protein Structure & Function; Spectroscopy; Mass Spectrometry & Omics Analysis; Imaging
Member: VICC
Billions of base pairs of DNA must be replicated trillions of times during a human lifetime. Adding to the difficulty, thousands of DNA lesions happen in each cell of our body every day. Furthermore, replication is challenged by difficult to replicate sequences and conflicts with transcription. DNA damage response mechanisms act to repair the damaged DNA, signal checkpoint activation, ensure completion of DNA replication, and maintain genome stability. Defects in these mechanisms cause developmental abnormalities, premature aging, and cancer. Replication errors are the single largest cause of cancer.
The Cortez lab is dedicated to understanding the mechanisms that maintain genome integrity and promote the complete and accurate replication of the genome.