Francois X. Claret

About Francois X. Claret

A strong goal-oriented and results-driven scientific leader with strategic vision and passion for cutting edge science that will bring innovative treatments to patients.Area of expertise: translational research, molecular targeted therapies, cancer therapies to patients, drug discovery, small molecules, immune-oncology, pre-clinical models, biomarkers, drug resistance.My translational research focuses on identifying new biomarkers and cell signaling that leads to oncogene activation. The long-term goal is to identify novel targets that can be translated into new therapeutic approaches for cancer patients. We apply multiple approaches to integrate information from across different data platforms using bioinformatic tools and HTP quantitative omics technologies, TCGA; miRNAs profiling, RNA-Seq; proteomic. We integrate functional approach and clinical data in order to identify major signaling pathways that are disturbed in cancers or in response to therapy and to use this information to define specific interventional nodes that could provide the bases for individualized treatment strategies.Our projects are on the identification of the molecular determinants of therapeutic resistance, the development of novel targeted therapeutic strategies to combat resistance and characterization of biomarker signatures for treatment response. Extensive experience: Excellent leadership skills and team management of lab-scientists, ability to lead multiple projects, collaborative relationships, innovative thinking, writing grants/reports and publishing in peer-reviewed journals (>80 articles).Outstanding communication skills as evidence by my track record of publications, presentations at national/international meetings and seminars, teaching experience and committee, provide mentorship. Abiliy to distill complex issues and clearly articulate solutions.Flexibility to handle a wide variety of tasks and rapidly adjust priorities, drive to succeed, highly motivated.

Experience

1. Associate Professor of Cancer Medicine

   UT MD Anderson

   Jan 2004 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   I have strong expertise in clinical development, regulatory policies, and translational research. My research focus is on understanding the molecular basis of cancer. The long-term goal of my research is to identify novel targets that can be translated into new therapeutic approaches for cancer patients. I have been an active contributor to the field of cell signaling and cell cycle control, inparticular, the relationship between oncogenes and therapeutic resistance. My laboratory discovered Jab1/Csn5 oncogene and provided evidence of its role in promoting cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Our current work aims at unraveling this biological function with biochemical and development of genetic tools such as GEM models for cancer therapeutics. We apply multiple approaches to integrate information from across different data platforms using new bioinformatic tools and high-throughput quantitative technologies, e.g, cancer genomics, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA); epigenomic (microRNAs profiling, RNA-Seq); molecular biology, proteomic with a functional approach and integration of clinical data to identify major signaling pathways that are disturbed in cancers or in response to therapy. We use this information to define novel therapeutic points of intervention that could provide the basis for individualized treatment strategies. My current research focuses on the molecular determinants responsible for therapeutic resistance to targeted therapies, target identification, and the development of GEM models for cancer to explore mechanistic and novel therapeutic approaches.Successfully developed and led an independent research program, proven by a strong track record of productivity (with over 100 publications, 12K citations with H-index:51, as a PI was awarded several funded research grants from NIH-NCI, US Department of Defense - Breast Cancer Program, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas) and established national and international collaborations.

Education

• Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III

  DEUG, Licence (B.S.) & Maitrise (M.S.), Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology

• University of Lausanne - UNIL

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biology

  1993

• University of California, San Diego - Department of Pharmacology

  Post-Doctoral training

• University of California, San Diego - Department of Pharmacology

  Post-doctotal training

  1993 — 1998

• UC San Diego

  Post-Doctoral Training, Cell Signaling - School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology

Skills

• Microrna Profiling
• Rna Isolation
• Research Experience
• Shrna
• Biomarkers
• Pharmacology
• Cell Culture
• Mouse Models
• Molecular Biology
• Fluorescence Microscopy
• Lifesciences
• Microarray
• Flow Cytometry
• Research
• Oncology
• Scientific Presentation
• Managing Research
• Mirna
• Real-Time Pcr
• Assay Development
• Mouse
• Biochemistry
• Vector Cloning
• Laboratory
• Drug Development
• Cancer
• Translational Medicine
• Drug Discovery
• Pcr
• Cell Biology
• Public Speaking
• Management
• Reporter Gene Assays
• Targeted Therapies
• Genetics
• Proteomics
• Animal Models of Cancer
• Health
• In Vitro
• Leadership