Kate Biese Joins Nghiem Lab Research Team
The UW Division of Dermatology is pleased to welcome Kate Biese (she/her) as a Research Study Coordinator in the Nghiem Lab. Kate officially joined the research team on Nov. 16, 2022. She will support the Nghiem Lab’s ongoing study of…
Welcome Nghiem Lab Clinical Research Fellow Neha Singh
The Division of Dermatology is delighted to welcome back Neha Singh (she/her) as a Clinical Research Fellow in the Nghiem Lab! Neha has previously supported the Nghiem Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant and Research Scientist prior to entering medical school.…
2022 Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Annual Meeting
Several faculty, trainees and researchers representing UW Dermatology presented their research at the SID Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon from May 18-21, 2022. Each year, the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID)’s Annual Meeting invites a diverse group of researchers and…
Welcome Nghiem Lab Undergrad Research Assistants Rian Alam & Ankita Menon
The Division of Dermatology is delighted to welcome two new undergraduate research assistants, Rian Alam and Ankita Menon, who will be joining the Nghiem Lab beginning May 2, 2022. Rian and Ankita, both current students at the University of Washington,…
Nghiem Lab Research Assistant Named in UW’s Husky 100
Congratulations to Nghiem Lab Undergraduate Research Assistant, Emily Huynh, for her inclusion in UW's 2022 Husky 100. Emily has made notable contributions to several research projects since joining the lab in 2020. She is a UW Honors and Biology student…
Dr. Peter Goff Joins UW Department of Radiation Oncology
Congratulations to Peter Goff, MD, PhD, Nghiem Lab researcher, resident in the UW Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology and American Board of Radiology Holman Research Pathway candidate, who has officially accepted a position to join the UW Medicine Department of…
WATCH: Dr. Nghiem Joins Yale’s Global Dermatology Talks Series
Dr. Paul Nghiem joined dermatology trainees from across the country this past Monday, Dec. 13, 2021 at Yale Medical School’s Global Dermatology Talks virtual lecture series. Dr. Nghiem's presentation focused on the Nghiem Lab's innovative Merkel cell carcinoma research and new, less-toxic MCC treatments. Watch Dr.…
Job Opportunity: Clinical Fellow/Research Coordinator
Paul Nghiem looks at a sample of Merkel cell carcinoma. The UW Medicine Division of Dermatology has an outstanding opportunity for individuals looking for 1-2 dedicated years of paid research experience as either a Research Study Coordinator or Clinical Research…
UW Dermatology Named Top Research Institution, Dr. Nghiem Named Top Author for Merkel Cell Carcinoma Publications
A recent study titled, “Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Top 100 Cited Publications,” has named the University of Washington Division of Dermatology as the leading and most frequently cited institutions for Merkel Cell Carcinoma articles having published…
Nghiem Lab Research Team Awarded Grant for Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research
Congratulations to several members of the Nghiem Lab Research Team whose recent proposal was selected to receive $20,000 in award funding through Seattle Translational Tumor Research (STTR), to support their innovative Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) research project. The STTR group…
Dr. Paul Nghiem Delivers Keynote for the Wallace H. Clark Lectureship in Cutaneous Oncology & Melanoma
Dr. Paul Ngheim, professor and head of the UW Medicine Division of Dermatology, recently gave the keynote lecture at the 17th annual Wallace H. Clark, Jr., MD Lectureship in Cutaneous Oncology and Melanoma Symposium, held virtually on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. Dr.…
2021 Merkel CELLebration
This year we held our second online Merkel CELLebration in lieu of our annual Merkel Dinner. The event took place on Zoom on Monday, September 13, 2021. The event included a presentation of new research and clinical developments in MCC,…
Summary of 15th Annual MMIG Meeting
This year's 15th annual MMIG meeting was the first MMIG meeting to take place over Zoom and had a record setting number of attendees (104)! Speakers/Topics:1. Introduction of Polish MCC collaboratorsMonika Dudzisz-Śledź and Piotr Rutkowski (Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute…
Dr. Paul Nghiem Begins as Deputy Director for Skin/Cutaneous Oncology for Seattle Translational Tumor Research
Dr. Paul Nghiem, professor and head of Dermatology at the University of Washington and expert in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), joins the Seattle Translational Tumor Research leadership team as the Deputy Director for Skin/Cutaneous Oncology. As a hub for collaboration…
Dr. Paul Nghiem’s MCC Annual Update Letter
Dear friends of Merkel cell carcinoma research, During this time of giving and celebrations, I want to let you know how appreciative our Merkel Team is of your support. This year was one of many exciting milestones that I am…
Nghiem Lab Members Present Their Research at the 22nd Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium at the University of Washington
Undergraduate Research Assistants Lauren Zawacki and Kelsey Cahill presented their research projects at the 22nd Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium at the University of Washington Lauren Zawacki, Undergraduate Research Assistant Kelsey Cahill, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Baseline imaging recommended in all Merkel cell carcinoma patients
It was a very exciting time for Merkel cell research at this years annual meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology which took place in Chicago, Illinois from May 8-11, 2019. Neha Singh, a research scientist working under Dr. Paul…
13th Annual Merkel Cell Carcinoma Dinner
On September 10, 2018 in Seattle, over 280 patients, family members, clinicians, scientists, and trainees from across the United States gathered for the 13th annual Merkel cell carcinoma Dinner Meeting. They enjoyed a lovely buffet dinner, music, lab tours and a presentation…
12th Annual Merkel cell Carcinoma Dinner Meeting
On September 11, 2017 in Seattle, over 260 patients, family members, clinicians, scientists, and trainees from across the United States gathered for the 12th annual Merkel cell carcinoma Dinner Meeting. They enjoyed a lovely buffet dinner, music, lab tours and a presentation…
Undergraduate Research Symposium
UW’s Undergraduate Research Symposium 5/20/16. Explaining MCC research to people who have never heard of Merkel cell carcinoma was fun and challenging! Jamil and Hannah (PN Lab Members) shown above
Dr. Nghiem Keynote Speaker at 6th Annual Harley Haynes Lectureship and Symposium
Dr. Paul Nghiem to give keynote lecture at the 6th Annual Harley Haynes Lectureship and Symposium at Harvard Medical School on Monday March 21, 2016. Please also see Derm Article here.
MCC posters presented by Nghiem Lab Members at this year’s SID meeting in Atlanta. – Christopher Lewis
MCC posters presented by Nghiem Lab Members at this year's SID meeting in Atlanta. - Christopher Lewis
MCC posters presented by Nghiem Lab Members at this year’s SID meeting in Atlanta. – Ryan Doumani
MCC posters presented by Nghiem Lab Members at this year's SID meeting in Atlanta. - Ryan Doumani
MCC posters presented by Nghiem Lab Members at this year’s SID meeting in Atlanta. – Dafina Ilbrani
MCC posters presented by Nghiem Lab Members at this year's SID meeting in Atlanta. - Dafina Ilbrani
Undergraduate Research Symposium 2015 – Seesha Takagishi, Dr. “P”, and Tessa Marx
Undergraduate Research Symposium 2015 - Seesha Takagishi, Dr. "P", and Tessa Marx
Undergraduate Research Symposium 2015 – Jamil Qazi and Austin Anderson
Undergraduate Research Symposium 2015 - Jamil Qazi and Austin Anderson
3rd Seattle Genetic Instability and Cancer Symposium
Masaoki Kawasumi is co-organizing the 3rd Seattle Genetic Instability and Cancer Symposium to be held on June 15, 2015
Undergraduate Research Symposium 2015 – Hannah Thomas
Undergraduate Research Symposium 2015 - Hannah Thomas
Congratulations, Kaifeng Hung!
Kaifeng Hung (a PhD candidate in Oral Biology) successfully completed his Doctoral Dissertation Defense. "Distinct effects of the two major types of UV-induced DNA lesions on DNA damage responses"
Masaoki Kawasumi speaks at UW Dermatology Grand Rounds
Masaoki Kawasumi gave a talk at the UW Dermatology Grand Rounds. "Caffeine as a tool to better understand and inhibit UV-induced skin cancers".
Lab Members gathered together for Pre-Thanksgiving photo!
Lab Members gathered together for Pre-Thanksgiving photo!
“Identification of ATR-Chk1 pathway inhibitors that selectively target p53-deficient cells without directly suppressing ATR catalytic activity” published in Cancer Research
Masaoki Kawasumi's paper on small-molecule screening for novel ATR pathway inhibitors was published online in Cancer Research. "Identification of ATR-Chk1 pathway inhibitors that selectively target p53-deficient cells without directly suppressing ATR catalytic activity"
38th MH Samitz Lectureship at University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Nghiem was honored to deliver the 38th MH Samitz Lectureship at University of Pennsylvania on November 7, 2013. See PDF of program here.
Dr. Nghiem receives the American Cancer Society Legacy & Leadership Award
Dr. Nghiem receives the American Cancer Society Legacy & Leadership Award: Find Cures Award. Legacy & Leadership Celebration
Masaoki Kawasumi, MD, PhD, receives Research Career Development Award
Masaoki Kawasumi, MD, PhD, received a highly selective, 3-year Research Career Development Award from the Dermatology Foundation.
Masaoki Kawasumi, Md, PhD, leads published study
Masaoki Kawasumi, MD, PhD, leads a study, published in PNAS on the genetic mechanism by which caffeine diminshes UV-induced skin cancers.
Congratulations, Olga Afanasiev!
Olga Afanasiev defended her thesis entitled, "Merkel cell polyomavirus-specific T cell responses, immune evasion mechanisms & immune therapy in Merkel cell carcinoma" on April 5, 2013. She will have derived 8 original publications (4 first/co-first author, 4 contributing author) and…
Masaoki Kawasumi receives Dermatology Foundation Research Career Development Award
Masaoki Kawasumi received a Dermatology Foundation Research Career Development Award (three-year support).
Dr. Paul Nghiem honored for selection as the first Michael Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research Chair Holder
On Thursday, March 29, 2012, Dr. Paul Nghiem of the University of Washington Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, was honored at an event celebrating his selection as the first Michael Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research chair holder. Faculty, family, colleagues,…
Dr. Nghiem was appointed to the Michael W. Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology
Dr. Nghiem was appointed to the Michael W. Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology, effective October 1, 2011. Dr. Nghiem is currently Associate Professor of Medicine and Adjunct Associate Professor of Pathology, as well as an Affiliate Investigator in the Clinical Research…
Americans’ have higher incidence of skin cancer on the left side
Paul Nghiem discusses Americans' higher incidence of skin cancer on the left side because of where we drive in our cars on KIRO with Chris Sullivan. A link to the article is available here
Nghiem lab is awarded an R01 grant from the NCI
The Nghiem lab is awarded an R01 grant from the NCI to study humoral and cellular immunity in polyomavirus-linked Merkel cell carcinoma.
Dr. Paulson Study: The risk of melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma shows that about one in ten of these cancers is likely associated with sun exposure while driving
Dr. Paulson's study of the risk of melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma shows that about one in ten of these cancers is likely associated with sun exposure while driving because these cancers occur more often on the left arm than…
KUOW’s “The Conversation”: sun exposure, skin cancer, and other skin-related issues
Paul Nghiem discusses sun exposure, skin cancer, and other skin-related issues on KUOW's "The Conversation" with Ross Reynolds. A link to a recording of the interview is available here.
35th Hawaii Dermatology Seminar
Paul Nghiem discusses the good and bad of UV radiation in a talk at the 35th Hawaii Dermatology Seminar put on by the Skin Disease Education Foundation . A link to a video of the presentation is available here.
New staging system for MCC created and adopted for worldwide use in 2010
In a collaborative study from ten centers around the United States, a new staging system for MCC was created and adopted for worldwide use in 2010. It replaces five conflicting staging systems and should promote a better understanding of stages…
Study shows that radiation, used alone, is similar in efficacy to surgery in treating MCC that has spread to lymph nodes.
Many prior studies have shown that radiation can be an effective way to treat Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin. A study led by Dr. Fang now shows that radiation, used alone, is similar in efficacy to surgery in treating MCC…
Dr. Nghiem featured in Seattle magazine’s Top Doctors
Dr. Nghiem is featured in Seattle magazine's Top Doctors issue. Click for a pdf of the article.
Dr. Nghiem featured in City Living Seattle’s Health and Wellness issue
Dr. Nghiem is featured in City Living Seattle's Health and Wellness issue. The front page article discusses how caffeine may reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers. click here to read the article
Possible rationale for caffeine’s UV protective effects
Drs. Paul Nghiem, Masoki Kawasumi and Tim Heffernan publish a possible rationale for caffeine's UV protective effects: “ATR–Chk1 Pathway Inhibition Promotes Apoptosis after UV Treatment in Primary Human Keratinocytes: Potential Basis for the UV Protective Effects of Caffeine” Press coverage…
Miranda Schmidt joins the lab
Miranda Schmidt joins the lab as an undergraduate research assistant. Miranda has a Junior class standing at the University of Washington where she is majoring in Biochemistry.
Dr. Nghiem is featured in Seattle King 5’s Cancer Breakthroughs special
In a new Jean Enersen Healthlink Special "Cancer Breakthroughs (From Head to Toe)" a number of local researchers discuss their work on diagnosing and treating cancer. Dr. Nghiem is featured for his work on caffiene and skin cancer. Click here to see…
Sherry Lee joins the lab
Sherry Lee joins the lab as an undergraduate research assistant. Sherry has Junior class standing at the University of Washington where she is majoring in Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology. Sherry also studies traditional and modern Chinese.
Renee Thibodeau joins the lab.
Renee Thibodeau joins the lab as a research assistant. She moved to Seattle after graduating from Whitman College in 2007 with a BA in Biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology. Renee skied NCAA for Whitman and is now enjoy volunteering for…
Under Graduate Research Symposium: May 20th, 2016
UW’s Undergraduate Research Symposium 5/20/16. Explaining MCC research to people who have never heard of Merkel cell carcinoma was fun and challenging! Ilsa and Mac (PN Lab Members) shown above
Collaborative research with Dr. Allan Conney at Rutgers University yields insight into the mechanism of caffeine’s protective effects after UV damage in mouse skin.
A study looking at the effects of caffeine on the inhibition of the ATR/Chk1 pathway is published in Cancer Research. They found that administration of caffeine to mice enhances clearance of DNA-damaged cells after treatment with UV. [pdf].
Science Central features caffeine’s potential role in skin cancer prevention
Dr. Nghiem was interviewed by Science Central for his work on caffeine and skin cancer. Click here to see the video interview.
Dr. Nghiem is featured in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Newspaper
Dr. Nghiem is featured on the cover of the Seattle PI Saturday Newspaper discussing his research on the role of topical caffeine in preventing skin cancer in mice. Click here to read the article
Ashley Warcola joins the lab
Ashley Warcola joins the lab as a research assistant. She is returning to Seattle after graduating from the University of Portland and spending a year in a physiology lab at OHSU. She has projects on both the replication checkpoint and…
John Pylman joins the lab for the summer
John Pylman, M.S. joins the lab as a research assistant. He is a fourth-year M.D./M.P.H. candidate at George Washington University, focusing on Merkel cell carcinoma investigations at the Nghiem laboratory.
The role of topical caffeine after UV in protecting from photodamage is described
Drs. Koo, Kawasumi and Nghiem publish their findings in the British Journal of Dermatology. [pdf]
Erin Higgins joins the lab.
Erin Higgins joins the lab as an undergraduate lab assistant. She is a student at the University of Washington, where she is pursuing degrees in Microbiology and Spanish.
Kelly Garneski joins the lab.
Kelly Garneski, an MSTP student, joined the lab for the summer and chose the Nghiem lab for her PhD thesis work. She has extensive research experience and will be studying the biology of Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
Bianca Lemos joins the lab
Bianca Lemos, MD, joins the lab after completing her Medicine internship at the University of Washington. She will be focusing on the effect of inhibiting the replication checkpoint on UV-induced carcinogenesis and will participate in maintaining the Merkel cell carcinoma…
Protein Kinases and Cancer Therapy
Protein Kinases and Cancer Therapy featured in Oncogenomics textbook. This chapter provides an overview of new and emerging approaches to target protein kinases in cancer therapy. [pdf]
Paul Nghiem featured in Dermatology Times
Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD, is featured in an article in the March 1, 2006, issue of Dermatology Times
The Nghiem Lab moves to Seattle
Dr. Nghiem moves his lab to the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Kawasumi will join him in Seattle in the Fall, and Dr. Heffernan will remain a part of the lab but will physically remain in Boston. New…
Tim Heffernan, PhD, from UNC Chapel Hill, joins the lab
Dr. Heffernan did his PhD with William Kaufmann in North Carolina on the replication checkpoint and ultraviolet-induced DNA damage. He brings extraordinary expertise in this field to our lab. He is working on the roles of ATR and Chk1 in…
Merkel Cell Carcinoma website launched
This website will serve as a unique resource for Merkell cell carcinoma patients and their physicians. Written and conceived together with Sheela Gupta and Linda Wang and implemented by Digizyme, Inc. Click here to view website.
Douglas Levine, senior at MIT, joins the lab full time
Douglas is a senior at MIT majoring in Biology. He will be working on the transgenic mouse project with a focus on primary keratinocytes.
Adam Chen, junior at Tufts University, joins the lab for the summer
Adam is a junior at Tufts University majoring in Biology. He will be responsible for maintaining our transgenic mice and focusing on carcinogenesis.
Masaoki Kawasumi, MD, PhD, from Keio University, joins the lab
Dr. Kawasumi is working on the development small molecule inhibitors of ATR.
A key role for ATR in HIV biology
In an ongoing collaboration with Dr. Vicente Planelle's laboratory, ATR has been shown to play a key role in the cellular response to HIV-1 infection in two papers. [MCB 200] & [JBL 203]
Rapamycin and nutrient signaling are profiled in a review with Aly Shamji and Stuart Schreiber
Rapamycin and nutrient signaling are profiled in a review with Aly Shamji and Stuart Schreiber. [pdf]
Five-year NIH Grant Awarded to the lab: “The Replication Checkpoint and Genomic Fidelity in Skin.”
This proposal to study the replication checkpoint and small molecules to regulate it, was rated in the top 4.8% of grants submitted to the Chemical Pathology Study Section of the NIH. It will provide critical funding for our studies through 2008.
Sang-Wahn Koo, MD, PhD, dermatologist and scientist joins the lab
Dr. Koo was Assistant Professor of Dermatology in Korea, and has done post-doctoral work for the past three years in the USA.
Essential role for ATR in the regulation of chromosomal fragile sites described in Cell.
Through an ongoing collaboration with Anne Casper and the laboratory of Thomas Glover at University of Michigan, a key role of ATR was unraveled. [pdf]