Lozano Laboratory
Guillermina Lozano, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Areas of Research
- Genetics
- p53
- Breast Cancer
- Chemotherapy
- Chromatin
- Developmental Biology
- DNA Damage Response
- Gene Expression
- Genetic Predisposition to Cancers
- Genome Evolution
- Imaging
- Molecular Biology
- Osteosarcoma
- Ovarian Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Sarcoma
- Transcription
- Tumor Suppression
Welcome to the Lozano Laboratory at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
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Research Focus
Mutation of the p53 gene is a critical event in the elaboration of many tumors of diverse origin. The p53 protein is activated in response to DNA damage, serving as a checkpoint in the elimination or repair of cells with damaged DNA. Alterations in components of the p53 pathway, such as amplification of the Mdm2 gene, which encodes a p53 inhibitor, also contribute to tumorigenesis. The overall goal of my laboratory is to understand the signals that regulate the p53 pathway and the consequences of expressing wild-type or mutant p53.
CANCER FRONTLINE
The p53 expert
Guillermina Lozano, Ph.D., has a long history of making discoveries in the field of cancer genetics. In 1987, she became the first to establish p53 as a transcriptional activator of other genes. Sometimes called the "guardian of the genome," p53 is a tumor suppressor gene that, when neutralized, plays a critical role in the development of many types of tumors. In 2017, she became the sixth MD Anderson scientist to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences. This is especially noteworthy since she's the first faculty member that's been chosen based on research conducted while at MD Anderson.
Leading the Way in Genetics Research
Lozano elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Lozano is recognized as a pioneer in describing the p53 pathway, a recognized tumor suppressor gene associated with cancer. “Guillermina's pioneering work in genetics has paved the way for innovative research at MD Anderson and at cancer centers around the world,” said President Peter WT Pisters, M.D. “We are proud to count her among our most distinguished faculty, and we are excited to see her recognized by our peers for her transformative work in outlining the p53 pathway.”
Lozano awarded the President's Leadership Award for Advancing Women and Minority Faculty
Lozano was recognized for her contributions that made a significant impact on the career advancement of MD Anderson women and minority faculty.
Lozano elected to National Academy of Sciences
Lozano has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for her pioneering work in describing the p53 pathway, a recognized tumor suppressor gene associated with cancer. Lozano was the first to establish p53 as a transcriptional activator of other genes. She also showed that common p53 mutants fail to launch transcription, and discovered other proteins, Mdm2 and Mdm4, which play critical roles in inhibiting p53 activity in development and cancer. Membership is a widely accepted mark of excellence in science and is considered one of the highest honors that a scientist can receive.
Lozano Lab
