Biography & Research Overview
Ismail Ismail investigates fundamental mechanisms of DNA damage repair with a particular focus on B-cell malignancies, especially multiple myeloma. His research program bridges basic DNA damage response biology with translational oncology, seeking to understand how DNA repair defects contribute to cancer development and how these vulnerabilities can be exploited therapeutically.
The laboratory employs cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, advanced imaging, and functional genomics approaches to dissect the complex pathways that maintain genome stability. A major focus is understanding how multiple myeloma cells become dependent on specific DNA repair pathways, creating therapeutic opportunities through synthetic lethality approaches.
Research Focus
DNA Double-Strand Break Repair
Investigation of homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining pathways, with particular emphasis on how B-cell malignancies exploit or become dependent on specific repair mechanisms.
Replication Stress Response
Study of how cells cope with obstacles to DNA replication, including the role of replication protein A (RPA) and ATR signaling in maintaining fork stability during oncogene-induced replication stress.
Multiple Myeloma Biology
Comprehensive analysis of DNA repair pathway dependencies in multiple myeloma, identifying vulnerabilities that can be targeted with novel therapeutic approaches and combination strategies.
Translational Applications
Development of predictive biomarkers and therapeutic strategies based on DNA repair deficiencies, with focus on personalized medicine approaches for B-cell malignancies.
Research Impact
The Ismail laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding DNA damage response mechanisms in B-cell malignancies. The research has particular relevance for multiple myeloma, a currently incurable plasma cell cancer that remains highly dependent on DNA repair for survival.
Key discoveries include identifying specific vulnerabilities in DNA repair pathways that can be exploited therapeutically, leading to new combination treatment strategies. The work bridges fundamental mechanistic understanding with clinical applications, providing both basic insights into genome stability and practical approaches for cancer treatment.
Mechanistic Insights
Fundamental discoveries about DNA repair pathway choice and regulation in B-cell malignancies.
Therapeutic Strategies
Development of combination approaches targeting DNA repair vulnerabilities in multiple myeloma.
Translational Focus
Bridge between basic research and clinical applications for improved patient outcomes.