David H. Spencer, MD, PhD
Associate Professor
- Phone: 314-273-0739
- Fax: 314-362-9333
- Email: dspencer@nospam.wustl.edu
Address:
Division of Oncology
Mail Stop 8007-0057-06
Washington University
660 South Euclid Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
Room 619 Southwest Tower (office)
- AML
- Cancer
- Epigenetics
- DNA methylation
- Genomics
Research in the Spencer lab is a combination of experimental and computational science that is focused on the common theme of the genetics, genomics, and epigenetics of acute myeloid leukemia. We have specific expertise in DNA methylation, 3D genome architecture, and HOX gene expression and regulation in AML, although we are broadly interested in epigenetics and gene regulation in cancer. We also have extensive experience using genomic technologies to make observations in primary human samples to understand fundamental mechanisms of cancer genomics.
We use a range of experimental systems and techniques in our lab, including:
- Whole-exome sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, error-corrected amplicon sequencing
- Long read sequencing using Oxford Nanopore and PacBio Hifi platforms
- ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, CUT&Run, CUT&Tag
- in situ HiC, capture-C, HiChIP, PLAC-seq
- Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing
- CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, CRISPRi epigenetic editing
- CRE-seq massively parallel reporter assays
- Single cell technologies
- Human cell lines, human pluripotent stem cells, including NIH-approved embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells
- Primary human AML samples
- Mouse models
Biosketch
Education
- 2010-2002: MD, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- 2008-2002: PhD, Department of Genome Sciences (Maynard V. Olson and Robert H. Waterston, Advisors), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- 2001-1997: BS, Biochemistry (with distinction), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Post-Graduate Training
- 2016-2012: Post-Doctoral Research, Laboratory of Tim Ley, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- 2014-2013: Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- 2013-2010: Clinical Pathology Residency, Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- 2011: Chief Resident, Clinical Pathology, Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Academic Positions & Employment
- present-2023: Associate Professor, Section of Stem Cell Biology, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- present-2016: Assistant Professor, Section of Stem Cell Biology, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- 2016-2014: Instructor, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- 2002-2001: Research Scientist, Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
University & Hospital Appointments
- present-2021: Technical Director, Anatomic and Molecular Pathology Core Lab, Department of Pathology and Immunology
- present-2016: Medical Director, McDonnell Genome Institute at Washington University
Board Certification
- 2024-2014: Diplomate, American Board of Pathology, Molecular Genetic Pathology
- 2023-2013: Diplomate, American Board of Pathology, Clinical Pathology
Honors & Awards
- 2020: ASCI Young Physician-Scientist Award, AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meeting
- 2018-2015 ASH Scholar Award, American Society of Hematology
- 2013: ASH Abstract Achievement Award, ASH Annual Meeting 2013, New Orleans
- 2011: Paul E. Strandjord Young Investigator Award, Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists
- 2009-2007 Poncin Scholar, University of Washington School of Medicine
- 2008-2006: ARCS Foundation Fellow, Seattle Chapter
- 2001: Roman Undergraduate Genetics Scholar, University of Washington
- 2001-2000: Mary Gates Scholar, University of Washington
Professional Societies
- Faculty, College of American Pathologists
- Member, American Society of Hematology
- Member, Association for Molecular Pathology