Howard Cedar

Howard Cedar is a prominent figure in the field of molecular biology and genetics, best known for his groundbreaking work on DNA methylation and its role in the regulation of gene expression. Born on October 12, 1943, Cedar has made significant contributions to our understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms can influence genetic inheritance and cell differentiation, impacting various aspects of developmental biology and cancer research.

Early Life and Education

Howard Cedar was born in New York City, United States. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he developed an interest in the biological sciences. Following his graduation from MIT, Cedar attended Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, where he earned his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. His doctoral research focused on the biochemistry of nucleic acids, laying the foundation for his future work in genetics and epigenetics.

Career and Research

After completing his education, Cedar's academic career led him to positions at various prestigious institutions. He has served as a faculty member at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he has conducted much of his notable research. Cedar's work has primarily centered on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression, with a particular focus on DNA methylation, a critical epigenetic modification that affects the activity of genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence.

Cedar's research has elucidated how DNA methylation patterns are established and maintained in the genome, and how these patterns can change during development or in response to environmental factors. His studies have also explored the implications of DNA methylation for cellular memory, a process by which cells remember their identity during division, and for the silencing of retroviruses within the genome.

One of Cedar's significant contributions to the field is the discovery of the role of DNA methylation in imprinting, a phenomenon where only one allele of a gene is expressed while the other is silenced, depending on its parental origin. This work has profound implications for understanding genetic diseases and disorders that arise from imprinting errors.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Howard Cedar has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to science. These accolades include prestigious prizes and memberships in esteemed scientific organizations, reflecting his impact on the fields of molecular biology and genetics.

Legacy and Impact

Howard Cedar's research has had a profound impact on our understanding of the molecular basis of gene regulation and the role of epigenetics in health and disease. His work has paved the way for new approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders and cancers, highlighting the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in human biology.

Selected Publications

Cedar has authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers and articles that have been published in leading journals. His publications cover a wide range of topics within genetics and epigenetics, including detailed studies on DNA methylation, gene expression, and cellular differentiation.

See Also

• Epigenetics
• Gene Expression
• DNA Methylation
• Genetic Inheritance
• Cell Differentiation