Biography

Dr. Krzysztof Reiss is the director of neurological cancer research with the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center. He also is a professor in the department of interdisciplinary oncology. 

Dr. Reiss is leading internationally recognized research in the areas of cell signaling, energy metabolism, DNA repair, and viral oncogenes. A significant research discovery includes the findings that spontaneous mutations found in some cancers are caused by the human polyomavirus JC (JCV) oncoprotein, large T-antigen, which translocates insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) to the nucleus, where IRS-1 interferes with DNA repair fidelity contributing to JCV-induced malignant transformation. 

In addition, Dr. Reiss is working on technologically advanced models of brain tumor progression for evaluating different anti-cancer regiments in a preclinical setting. His research has been funded during the last 20 years as well as with grants from the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation and NASA. He has published 170 peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters focused on viral oncology, IGF-1 receptor signaling, DNA repair, and tumor cell energy metabolism. 

In addition, he is a member of national and international scientific groups and participated as reviewer for numerous NIH study sections and other granting institutions. 

As a leader in scientific research, Dr. Reiss is successfully leading Phase 1 COBRE “Center for Translational Viral Oncology (CTVO)” where scientists have published 80 research articles and submitted 41 research grant applications, among which 11 were funded including three R01 grants and one major Department of Defense research grant.

In addition, Dr. Reiss has continuous collaborations with the Louisiana IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence and with the director of NIH COBRE “Center for Applied Immunology and Pathological Processes.” These collaborations have contributed to the improved consolidation of these programs, allowing junior investigators to develop new collaborations, and to improve use of the existing research infrastructure. Dr. Reiss has also served as a chairmen and member of multiple Departmental Promotion Committees, has served as a mentor for ten PhD students, has participated as advisor and/or mentor in the Master and Medical Research Programs at Temple University, Philadelphia (2000 – 2010), and at LSUHSC-NO (2011-present).