To MSU Professor James Trosko, cancer research isn’t about winning awards, it’s about helping people.
Troskoa professor of pediatrics and human development, will be receiving the 2001 Scientific Achievement Award for his lifetime contributions to the field of science from the Society of Toxicology on Sunday, in San Francisco.
“It’s a great feeling knowing that you’ve done something that’s moved the whole field of science,” Trosko said. “And it’s intellectually satisfying to know you’ve done something that no one in this universe has done before.”
Two of the three major scientific discoveries Trosko has made deal directly with cancer.
Back in the late 1960’s, he isolated a specific cell in the body which repairs genetic damage caused by sunlight, commonly known as skin cancer. He also discovered that the gene is lacking in some people, predisposing them to skin cancer.
His second major discovery came in the late 1970s. He found a certain class of chemicals, which have the ability to stimulate the growth of cancer cells. These chemicals are found in a broad environment such as the workplace, drugs, pollutants and even in a person’s daily diet.
Trosko attributes all of his success to the numerous graduate and post doctoral students, who have helped to make his research possible during the last 34 years at MSU.
“These studies continue to contribute to our understanding of how genes and chemicals effect various diseases,” he said. “Now that we know what chemicals promote the growth of tumors we can use this knowledge to help prevent it.”
Jay Goodman, an MSU professor of pharmacology and toxicology, was formerly the president of the Society of Toxicology, and has known Trosko for nearly 30 years.
“He was chosen for the award because of his research in terms of important and innovative concepts which help scientists to understand how disruptive biology can lead to diseases like cancer,” Goodman said.
Trosko was also the first scientist to isolate normal human stem cells which are used in cloning. His applications won’t lead to the express purpose of cloning a whole person, but rather to regenerate human tissue.
“We are on the cusp of a new strategy for cancer chemotherapy and for other diseases like diabetes,” he said. “By regenerating cells we hope to cure diseases instead of just treating them.”
Albert Sparrow, chairperson for the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, said Trosko’s research will have unbelievable implications for the future of science.
“His research is very cutting edge,” Sparrow said. “And he is a real credit to our department and this university.
“We are extremely happy that he is getting this award.”
Sparrow said although Trosko has published many research articles, lectured all over the world and has received this lifetime award, he still remembers his roots.
“But beyond all of this he remains a wonderful teacher,” Sparrow said.
