Phil Daschner, M.S.
Dr. Phil Daschner has expertise in cancer etiology, biological carcinogenesis, the microbiome, and the role of diet/nutrition/obesity in cancer. He manages a portfolio of grants focusing on biological carcinogenesis, which includes viruses, bacteria, and the microbiome.
Along with his DCB responsibilities, he also has leadership roles with the trans-NIH Microbiome Working Group (TMWG) and the NCI Microbiome Working Group. Dr. Daschner is also a member of the NCI Cancer Disparities Committee (CDAC) and the trans-NCI Obesity & Cancer Work Group.
He is excited about the new evolution of bioinformatic tools to analyze DNA and RNA sequence data. He states “The exciting part of this type of research is determining the systemic effects of the microbiome, applying that knowledge, and translating it to clinical use.”
Research Programs
Dr. Daschner also helps manage NCI research programs:
- Mechanisms that Impact Cancer Risk after Bariatric Surgery
- Metabolic Dysregulation and Cancer Risk Program
- Modulating Human Microbiome Function to Enhance Immune Responses Against Cancer
- Microbial-based Cancer Imaging and Therapy - Bugs as Drugs
Background
Before coming to DCB, Phil worked in the NCI Intramural Laboratory of Nutritional and Molecular Regulation. This lab was primarily interested in isolating specific natural compounds that were chemopreventive.
He also has a background in microbial genetics and drug discovery from natural products, including the initial purification and testing of bryostatin, as well as the identification of curcumin and resveratrol as natural ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
Education
- M.S., Microbiology, Arizona State University