Raymond L. White, PhD

Director Emeritus, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center
Rudi Schmid Distinguished Professor and Vice Chair of Neurology, UCSF
Phone: (510) 985-3102
Email: rayw@gallo.ucsf.edu

Research

Raymond White is a pioneer in the development of the molecular tools for the construction of a map of genetic markers for the human genome. He was one of the first to recognize that emerging advances in DNA technology made it possible to directly detect base-pair changes in human DNA, and that these could be used as a large source of genetic markers. Dr. White and his laboratory played key roles in the identification of the neurofibromatosis type I gene and the gene for familial polyposis, an inherited form of colon cancer. His laboratory also used mapped genetic markers to examine the genetic events of tumorigenesis in retinoblastoma, showing that one copy of the “retinoblastoma gene” is often lost during tumor development. This led to the realization that many of the most important cancer genes act as tumor suppressors, where both copies of the gene must be inactivated, often by a chromosomal rearrangement. More recently, Dr. White has become interested in the genetics of behavioral disorders, specifically, the genetics of alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Evidence from family studies indicates that these disorders are complex with both genetic and environmental components. Identification of the genetic components of these disorders is an important goal; clarifying the genetics will reveal underlying molecular mechanisms and proteins for the development of therapeutic medications. Furthermore, identification of the genetic etiology may also reveal important differences among affected individuals, enabling the implementation of more individually-specific therapeutic approaches. Specific and detailed knowledge of these genetic components will also help in identifying the major environmental components of these disorders, which may create important new therapeutic opportunities.

Lab Members

Gerome Brush, PhD, Associate Investigator, gbrush@gallo.ucsf.edu
Amy Choi, Specialist, amyc@gallo.ucsf.edu
Geoff Joslyn, PhD, Director of Technology Development, gjoslyn@gallo.ucsf.edu
Andrew S. Lee, Staff Research Associate, alee@gallo.ucsf.edu

Links

Raymond L. White's curriculum vitae

Publications

Raymond L. White's publications