Leonard B. Maggi Jr., PhD, MSCI

Leonard B. Maggi Jr., PhD, MSCI

Assistant Professor

Address:
Division of Oncology
Mail Stop 8069-0004-07
Washington University
660 South Euclid Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110

Room 7624 BJC-IH (office)
Room 7307 BJC-IH (lab)

Research Interests
  • Tumorigenesis
  • Nucleolar function
  • Ribosome biogenesis
  • dsRNA signaling in tumorigenesis
  • Responsible Conduct of Research
Research

Cancers arise from a cell’s inability to control not only proliferation (increase in cell number) but also growth (macromolecular synthesis). Increasing proliferation without a coinciding increase in cell growth would result in smaller and smaller daughter cells. The nucleolus, a subnuclear organelle, is the production site of the cell’s protein synthesis machinery, the ribosome. Historically thought of as a static subnuclear organelle, the nucleolus has recently been shown to be a dynamically important part of the cell governing growth. In addition to producing ribosomes, the nucleolus also houses several oncogenes and tumor suppressors which monitor pro-growth signals from the cell. We have shown one nucleolar oncogene, nucleophosmin, regulates ribosome biogenesis and its overexpression can transform immortalized cells. The nucleolar tumor suppressor, p19ARF (p14 in humans) regulates nucleolar function at multiple steps from rRNA transcription to export of ribosomal subunits. Mutations in nucleolar proteins as well as the pathways that signal to them can result in tumorigenesis. We are interested in understanding the regulation of nucleolar function and how alterations in nucleolar protein function can lead to tumorigenesis.

Profiles (publications)

Biosketch

Education

  • 2016-2013: MSCI in Cancer Genomics, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
  • 2001-1997: PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO
  • 1995-1991: BA in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology & Philosophy, Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA

Academic Positions & Employment

  • present-2011: Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • 2010-2006: Instructor, Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • 2006-2002: Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Division of Molecular Oncology (Dr. Jason Weber, advisor), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • 2002-2001: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Pathology & Immunology (Dr. Barry Sleckman, advisor), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • 1997-1996: Sequencing Finisher, Genome Sequencing Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • 1996-1995: Protein Chemist, Department of Molecular Immunology, Monsanto/G.D. Searle, St. Louis, MO

University Committees

  • present-2013: Discussant for the Annual Research Training Symposium and Poster Session, Washington University School of Medicine
  • 2022, 2021: Siteman Investment Program Research Proposal Reviewer
  • 2016: NIH Mock Study Section Review Panel – Tertiary Reviewer for R01 Application
  • 2016-2013: Medical School Faculty Rights Committee, Washington University School of Medicine
  • 2014-2013: HHMI/SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Program) Application Reviewer, Washington University School of Medicine
  • 2014-2011: Clinical Representative to the Executive Committee of the Faculty Council, Washington University School of Medicine

Honors & Awards

  • 2015-2013: K12 Paul Calabresi Career Development Award For Clinical Oncology
  • 2011-2009: Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program New Investigator Award
  • 2006: Best Poster Presentation at the Cell Signaling Retreat, Washington University
  • 2006-2004: Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program Postdoctoral Traineeship Award
  • 2000: Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society, Saint Louis University
  • 2000: 1st Place Student Oral Presentation, Biochemistry Departmental Retreat, Saint Louis University
  • 2000: Sigma Xi Outstanding Graduate Research Award, Saint Louis University
  • 1999: 1st Place Student Presentation, Biochemistry Departmental Retreat, Saint Louis University

National Committees

  • 2022-2019: Peer Review Panel of the Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) for the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP)
  • 2022, 2017-2014, 2012: Peer Review Panel of the Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP) for the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP)
  • 2019: Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) Nazarbayev University Research Review

Editorial Boards

  • present-2020: Biomolecules
    • Cells
    • Marine Drugs

Professional Societies & Organizations

  • present-2016: AACR, Member
  • present-2011: AAAS, Member
  • present-2000: Alpha Sigma Nu
  • present-2010: Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Member
  • present-2010: Siteman Cancer Center, Research Associate Member
  • present-2000: Sigma Xi