Dr. Joseph Jerry, Ph.D. | Director of Biorepository, HistoSpring

Dr. Joseph Jerry, Ph.D.

Director of Biorepository

Fun Fact

Was on the leaderboard for cycling up the Muro di Sormano (but placed >3000 behind the time for Vincenzo Nibali).

Biography

Dr. Joseph Jerry leads research focusing on mechanisms regulating risk and resistance to breast cancer.
 
The approaches include the development of cell-based and genetically engineered models, natural genetic variation among strains of mice complemented by analyses of primary breast tissues and tumors from human subjects.

Dr. Jerry has made significant contributions with the development of transplantation models of p53-defient mammary tissues and demonstrating the role of p53 in mediating the protective effect of pregnancy hormones.

The p53 tumor suppressor pathway plays a prominent role in limiting cancer. This pathway is influenced by exposures to environmental chemicals and is also modified by genetic polymorphisms. His research uses in vivo rodent models together with human cell and tissues to develop biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
 
Dr. Jerry has also successfully directed the strategic vision to procure high-quality breast and ovarian tissues. This biorepository with well-annotated clinical information provides a resource to advance cancer research and speed development of precision medicines. With the participation of Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, we have over 1,400 consented participants to the registry and a repository of primary cell cultures and of frozen tissues from more than 500 donors.  
 
Dr. Jerry has authored over 70 manuscripts focusing on 1) hormonal regulation of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway; 2) genetic modifiers of the mammary tumors in p53-deficient mice; 3) gene profiles disrupted in early breast lesions; and 4) variation in pathogenic actions of environmental chemicals among strains of mice and in patient-derived breast models.
 
He currently holds positions as Director of Biorepository, HistoSpring; Science Director, Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute; Professor, Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Co-Director, Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research.

B.S., University of Vermont
M.S., Purdue University
Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University

Postdoctoral Training
Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas

  • Chair, 14th Annual Meeting of the Breast Cancer & Environment Research Program, Atlanta, GA. 2019 NIEHS/NIH
  • Chair, Mammary Gland Biology Conference, Newport, RI. 2009, Gordon Research Conferences
  • Co-Chair, Mammary Gland Biology Conference, Il Ciocco, Italy. 2006, Gordon Research Conferences
  • Milestone Award for 5th Patent, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2006
  • Byron Award for Excellence in Biomedical Research, 2006, University of Massachusetts Amherst