Manel Esteller

Spanish researcher in epigenetics

Manel Esteller

Manel Esteller Badosa (born 1968) is a prominent Spanish researcher known for his pioneering work in the field of epigenetics. He has made significant contributions to understanding the role of epigenetic changes in cancer and other diseases. Esteller is currently the director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) in Barcelona, Spain.

Early life and education

Manel Esteller was born in Sant Boi de Llobregat, a town near Barcelona, in 1968. He pursued his medical degree at the University of Barcelona, where he graduated in 1992. Following his interest in the molecular mechanisms of disease, Esteller completed his doctorate in molecular genetics at the same university in 1996.

Career

After completing his PhD, Esteller moved to the United States to further his research in epigenetics. He joined the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Baylin, a leading figure in cancer epigenetics. During his time at Johns Hopkins, Esteller focused on the study of DNA methylation and its implications in cancer.

In 2001, Esteller returned to Spain to establish his own research group at the Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO) in Madrid. There, he continued his groundbreaking work on the epigenetic alterations in human cancer, particularly focusing on the silencing of tumor suppressor genes through DNA methylation.

Research contributions

Esteller's research has significantly advanced the understanding of how epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, contribute to the development and progression of cancer. His work has highlighted the potential of epigenetic therapies in reversing abnormal gene silencing in cancer cells.

One of Esteller's notable contributions is the identification of epigenetic biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. His studies have led to the development of new diagnostic tools that can detect cancer at early stages by analyzing the methylation patterns of specific genes.

Awards and honors

Manel Esteller has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field of epigenetics. These include the Carcinogenesis Award from the European Association for Cancer Research and the National Research Prize from the Government of Catalonia. He is also a member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).

Current work

As the director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Esteller continues to lead research efforts aimed at understanding the epigenetic basis of leukemia and other hematological malignancies. His work is focused on translating basic research findings into clinical applications that can improve patient outcomes.

Related pages

• Epigenetics
• DNA methylation
• Cancer research
• Histone modification