Dr. George A. Calin is a preeminent cancer biologist whose groundbreaking work has revolutionized our understanding of non-coding RNAs in oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He currently serves as Ad Interim Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology and Professor in the Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, holding additional appointments in the Leukemia Department and as Co-Director of the MD/PhD Program at the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. After completing both his MD and PhD at Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, Dr. Calin established his scientific reputation during postdoctoral training at the Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia under Dr. Carlo Croce. His career progression has been marked by significant leadership roles, including his current position as Chair Elect of the MD Anderson Faculty Senate and extensive service on institutional committees overseeing research excellence and scientific publications.
Dr. Calin's pioneering research fundamentally transformed cancer biology through his seminal discovery of the link between microRNAs and human malignancies, a finding now considered a milestone in molecular oncology that has reshaped the field's understanding of gene regulation in cancer. His laboratory was the first to demonstrate how these non-coding RNA molecules influence cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis, establishing microRNAs as critical regulators rather than genomic 'junk' with profound implications for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. With over 161,000 citations documented on Google Scholar, his work has catalyzed a paradigm shift in cancer genomics, inspiring thousands of researchers worldwide to explore the therapeutic potential of RNA-based interventions. Current investigations in his laboratory focus on elucidating the roles of body fluid miRNAs as potential biomarkers and hormonal signaling molecules, alongside developing novel RNA-targeted therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.
Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Calin has profoundly influenced the field through his exceptional mentorship of more than 150 trainees spanning high school students to visiting professors from around the globe, cultivating the next generation of cancer researchers. He maintains significant editorial leadership as Senior Editor for Molecular Oncology and Cancer Research, while serving on the editorial boards of numerous prestigious journals including Molecular Cancer and EBioMedicine, thereby shaping scientific discourse in molecular oncology. His laboratory continues to lead innovative research at the intersection of non-coding RNA biology and cancer predisposition, with ongoing work exploring the mechanisms linking non-coding RNAs to immune disorders and therapeutic resistance. As both a scientific visionary and institutional leader, Dr. Calin remains dedicated to advancing precision oncology through RNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics, with his work holding significant promise for transforming cancer detection and treatment paradigms worldwide.
