Doctor Mark I. Greene, MD, PhD, FRCP, stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of medical science, particularly renowned for his groundbreaking work on receptor function and cancer research. As the John W. Eckman Professor of Medical Science Emeritus at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Greene has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of cellular mechanisms and developing innovative therapeutic approaches. His contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of receptor biology and paved the way for improved cancer treatments.
Dr. Greene’s extensive academic journey is marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for discovery. He earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Manitoba in Canada, in 1968 and 1977 respectively, demonstrating an early dedication to both clinical practice and rigorous scientific inquiry. His postgraduate training included a Medical Research Council Fellowship in Canada and further research at Harvard Medical School, solidifying his foundation in pathology and immunology. He achieved the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP) in Internal Medicine in 1976, underscoring his clinical expertise.
Throughout his career, Doctor Mark Greene has focused his research on the fundamental principles of receptor function, with a significant emphasis on the erbB gene family. His laboratory made a pivotal discovery concerning the p185c-neu protein and its interaction with the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). They found that these receptors could form heteromeric complexes, exhibiting enhanced kinase activity and a higher affinity for EGF compared to homomeric forms of EGFR. This discovery revealed the heteromeric complex as the primary signaling receptor form and highlighted the crucial role of ectodomains in stabilizing these dimeric structures.
Building upon these insights, Doctor Mark Greene pioneered a targeted therapy approach aimed at down-modulating oncoproteins critical for abnormal cell growth. This innovative strategy, initially developed in the neu system, involved creating monoclonal antibodies specifically targeting the ectodomain of p185. The rationale behind this approach was to exploit the kinase-active homomeric (p185-p185) or heteromeric (p185c-neu-EGFr) assemblies present on malignant cells. By targeting these activated receptor forms, Dr. Greene’s work provided a basis for therapies that selectively impact cancerous cells while minimizing harm to normal cells with inactive receptor configurations. This groundbreaking research has contributed significantly to the development of improved treatments for advanced breast cancer.
Beyond receptor biology and cancer therapeutics, Doctor Mark Greene has also ventured into the design of small organic molecules to modulate protein function. His laboratory employs crystallography and thermodynamic analyses to identify cavities near active sites of proteins. By developing molecules that fit into these cavities, Dr. Greene aims to induce allosteric changes that can alter protein function. This innovative approach holds promise for creating a new class of therapeutic agents.
Further expanding his research interests, Doctor Mark Greene has investigated the assembly and function of the mammalian centrosome, a critical component of cell division. His group has identified novel genes encoding centrosomal proteins involved in centrosome assembly and spindle checkpoint pathways. These discoveries contribute to a deeper understanding of cellular processes and their potential links to disease.
Dr. Greene’s expertise extends to the realm of receptor-based therapeutics design and synthesis, reflecting his commitment to translating basic research findings into tangible clinical applications. He has been a member of graduate groups in Cell and Molecular Biology and Immunology, further demonstrating his interdisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry.
The impact of Doctor Mark Greene‘s contributions is evident in the numerous awards and honors he has received throughout his career. These accolades include the American Cancer Society Faculty Award, the John Eckman Professorship, the John Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Stanley N. Cohen Biomedical Research Award, among many others. His recognition as a Newton Abraham Professor at Oxford University and an Allyn Taylor Prize in International Medicine further highlights his global influence in the scientific community. He was also honored with a DSc. Honoris causa from the University of Manitoba, his alma mater.
Doctor Mark Greene‘s professional affiliations include memberships in esteemed organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the American Association of Physicians. His work is widely accessible through numerous publications, searchable via PubMed, and through web links to his faculty pages at the University of Pennsylvania.
In conclusion, Doctor Mark Greene‘s career embodies a lifelong dedication to advancing medical science through rigorous research and innovative thinking. His profound contributions to receptor biology, cancer research, and targeted therapy have had a lasting impact on the field, making him a true leader and an inspiration to future generations of scientists and clinicians.
