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Dr. Ronald A. DePinho is a preeminent figure in the fields of cancer research and aging, best known for his groundbreaking work on telomerase and telomere dysfunction. In a seminal collaboration with Carol Greider, DePinho generated the first telomerase knockout mouse, a monumental step that led to a deeper understanding of how telomerase and telomere dysfunction impact cancer, aging, and a variety of degenerative diseases, including fibrosis.

DePinho's scientific program is multifaceted, with contributions ranging from the basic molecular mechanisms underlying cancer in aged populations to factors affecting acquired and inherited degenerative disorders. His laboratory has pioneered the concept of tumor maintenance and has made transformative discoveries in identifying a core pathway of aging. Moreover, his research has established the revolutionary idea that aging is a reversible process.

Using sophisticated mouse models of cancer, DePinho's laboratory has also been at the forefront of identifying novel cancer targets and diagnostics, effectively bridging the divide between basic research and clinical applications. His exhaustive body of work has garnered numerous awards and honors, solidifying his position as a leader in the cancer research community.