J. Michael Bishop

Nci-vol-8172-300 j michael bishop

J. Michael Bishop (February 22, 1936 – ) is an American immunologist and microbiologist who, along with Harold E. Varmus, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1989 for their discovery of the cellular origin of retroviral oncogenes, significantly contributing to the understanding of cancer as a genetic disease. This discovery was pivotal in establishing the foundation for much of the modern cancer research and the development of targeted cancer therapies.

Early Life and Education

J. Michael Bishop was born in York, Pennsylvania. He attended Gettysburg College, where he received his undergraduate degree in Chemistry. He then went on to Harvard University, where he earned his M.D. in 1962. Following his graduation, Bishop moved to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his postdoctoral work, focusing on immunology and virology, fields that would define his future research career.

Career and Research

In 1968, Bishop joined the faculty of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he began his collaboration with Harold E. Varmus. Their groundbreaking work in the 1970s on the origins of cancer overturned the prevailing theory that viruses inserted their own oncogenes into cells to trigger cancer. Instead, Bishop and Varmus discovered that oncogenes were actually normal genes present in the cell, termed proto-oncogenes, which could become oncogenes due to mutations or the influence of external factors, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

Their research not only illuminated the genetic basis of cancer but also opened the door for the development of new diagnostic methods and treatments targeting these genetic changes. Bishop's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors in addition to the Nobel Prize, including the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research and election to the National Academy of Sciences.

Later Years and Legacy

Beyond his research, Bishop has been an influential figure in the scientific community, advocating for science education and research funding. He served as Chancellor of UCSF from 1998 to 2009, during which time he focused on expanding the institution's research and educational programs.

J. Michael Bishop's contributions to the understanding of cancer at the molecular level have had a lasting impact on the field of oncology, paving the way for the development of targeted therapies and advancing our understanding of cancer as a genetic disease. His work exemplifies the critical role of basic scientific research in addressing complex health challenges.

Selected Publications

Bishop's prolific career is highlighted by numerous influential publications, particularly those detailing the discovery and implications of proto-oncogenes in cancer development. While specific titles are not listed here, his work is widely cited in the fields of virology, immunology, and oncology.

Awards and Honors

• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1989)
• Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research
• Member of the National Academy of Sciences

See Also

• Cancer
• Oncogene
• Proto-oncogene
• Harold E. Varmus
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

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