Paul Lampe, PhD

Dr. Paul Lampe is head of the Translational Research Program at Fred Hutch. The overarching goal of this program is to discover and translate molecular and epidemiologic findings to advance our understanding of the biological basis for various exposure-biomarker-disease relationships. Accomplishing this goal will improve precision prevention and interception, risk assessment, early detection, treatment decision making, prognostication and survivorship. Dr. Lampe’s research focuses on the discovery of molecules called biomarkers that can be used for the early detection of colon, breast, lung and pancreatic cancers. He also studies the cell biology of cancer and its development, particularly communication gateways between cells called gap junctions. When functioning properly, gap junctions relay molecular messages that help control key biological activities. Examples include coordinating the rhythmic contraction of the heart muscle and regulating normal cell growth. Dr. Lampe and colleagues discovered that when gap junctions are absent or damaged, serious health consequences, including cancer, can result.