Paz Polak, PhD Email Paz Polak
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- Positions
- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences
- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Genetics and Genomic Sciences
- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology
- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Pathology
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- Language
- English
Cancer genome studies typically focus on the foreground—the genes in the tumor itself that are mutated and that are likely to be important in driving cancer. However, the background, or tumor environment, is an important component of cancer that can serve as a powerful biomarker for the success of treatments as well as development of preventive interventions. Characterizing the complex features of the tumor environment can improve discovery of cancer genes and reveal the architecture of mutational processes. Findings from this research can help identify patients who may benefit from specific treatments and therapies such as PARP inhibitors and immunotherapies. Unfortunately, most genomic studies to date of both the tumor and the tumor environment have lacked representation from populations of diverse ethnicity, and findings are therefore not necessarily applicable across all population groups.
At Mount Sinai, my lab studies cancer driver events and cancer etiology across understudied populations (e.g. African Americans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Haitians) with the goals of lowering death rates from cancer and improving overall health. These studies build upon my previous research that has revealed the complex interplay between mutations in DNA repair genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51C, ERCC2, POLE, MLH1, and MSH2, and the mutational landscape of cancer. Most importantly, this research will enable us to examine if current and future genomic assays give similar results across all populations and, if not, tailor assays accordingly to identify the most effective, personalized treatment for each patient.
My lab will also focus on understanding the contributions of physical activity and exercise to general health by utilizing different genomic approaches to assess fitness levels and changes during exercise. Physical activity and nutrition are known to be highly effective at preventing disease and improving outcomes for cancer patients. However, little is known about the actual mechanisms.
Research Topics
Bioinformatics, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Genetics, DNA Repair, Diversity, Genetics, Genomics, Global Health, Mathematical and Computational Biology
Education
BSc, Technion, Department of Physics
MSc, Technion, Department of Mathematics
MSc, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Physics
PhD, Freie Universität (Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics)
, Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine
Language
English
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device and biotechnology companies to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their relationships with such companies.
Dr.Polak did not report having any of the following types of financial relationships with industry during 2018 and/or 2019: consulting, scientific advisory board, industry-sponsored lectures, service on Board of Directors, participation on industry-sponsored committees, equity ownership valued at greater than 5% of a publicly traded company or any value in a privately held company. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.
Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website.
Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.
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