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David H. Gutmann

Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor of Neurology

Expertise: Brain tumors, cancer genetics, neurofibromatosis, molecular genetics, neurosciences, neurology

Bio: Gutmann is the founder and director of the Neurofibromatosis Clinical Program, which is dedicated to treating the common inherited tumor predisposition syndrome, neurofibromatosis (NF). Individuals with NF have an increased risk of developing brain tumors and other cancers. As national leader in the development of genetically-modified mouse models of human cancers, he has developed mouse models of NF brain tumors. Lastly, using a team approach to translate basic science discoveries to improved clinical care for individuals with NF, Gutmann established the Washington University NF Center in 2004.

Education:
  • M.D. at University of Michigan
  • Ph.D. at University of Michigan
  • M.S. in Human genetics at University of Michigan


News Stories & Tip Sheets:

Showing Stories 1 through 5 of 10.  - Show More
Quicker translation from mouse to human

Mouse model tightly matches pediatric tumor syndrome, will speed drug hunt

March 1, 2008 -- Frustrated by the slow pace of new drug development for a condition that causes pediatric brain tumors, a neurologist at the School of Medicine decided to try to fine-tune the animal models used to test new drugs. Instead of studying one mouse model of the disease causing the brain tumors, the laboratory of David Gutmann, M.D., Ph.D., the Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor of Neurology, evaluated three and found that one of most closely mimicked what is seen in children who develop brain tumors.


Shaping young minds

Cancer gene drives pivotal decision in early brain development

Nov. 12, 2007 -- A gene linked to pediatric brain tumors is an essential driver of early brain development, researchers at the School of Medicine have found. The study, published in October in Cell Stem Cell, reveals that the neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) gene helps push stem cells down separate paths that lead them to become two major types of brain cells: support cells known as astrocytes and brain neurons.


Tumor trick probed

Study suggests existing drugs may be useful in treating brain tumors

Oct. 15, 2007 -- Scientists have shown how developing brain tumors can turn an encounter with a signaling molecule from a fatal experience for the tumor cells into a cue for their own growth and multiplication. Researchers at the School of Medicine found the transformation relies on at least two other molecules that can be modified with existing drugs, opening the possibility that they may be able to use the established drugs to treat brain tumors.


Slowing tumor growth

Brain tumors coax important support from nearby immune system cells

April 11, 2007 -- Developing brain tumors can coax assistance from nearby cells known as microglia, according to a new study from scientists at the School of Medicine. The researchers have identified one protein made by microglia that helps accelerate tumor growth and are looking for others.


Tumor bar code

Genetic fingerprints identify brain tumors' origins

Feb. 1, 2007 --
Gutmann
Gutmann
Genetic fingerprints that reveal where a brain cell came from remain distinct even after the cell becomes a brain tumor, an international coalition of scientists will report in the February 1 issue of Cancer Research. The finding adds a new layer of complexity to the quest to understand the causes of childhood brain cancers, according to senior author David Gutmann.



Showing Stories 1 through 5 of 10.  - Show More

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Related Information
Media Assistance:

Michael Purdy
Senior Medical Sciences Writer
purdym@wustl.edu

(314) 286-0122
Related Links:
David Gutmann's Web page
David Gutmann's genetic research page
David Gutmann's neurology research page

Related Groups:

Schools:
School of Medicine

Departments:
Cancer
Genetics
Neurological Surgery
Neurology

- View All Groups

Related Topics:
Brain / Neuro / Spinal
Cancer
Medical Genetics
Medical Science
Trauma / Neuro / Rehab

- View All Topics

Revised:

Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006


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