Cynthia C. Morton

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Cynthia Casson Morton (born August 1, 1955) is an American geneticist, professor at Harvard Medical School, and director of cytogenetics at Brigham and Women's Hospital. [1]

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Biography

Morton graduated in 1973 from Maryland's Easton High School and in 1977 from the College of William and Mary with a bachelor's degree in biology. In 1982 she received her Ph.D. in human genetics from the Medical College of Virginia. [1]

As a postdoc she worked at Children's Hospital of Boston and then for three-and-a-half years in Philip Leder's laboratory in Harvard Medical School's department of genetics. In 1987, the eminent pathologist Ramzi Cotran recruited her to become the Director of Cytogenetics at Brigham and Women's Hospital. [2] At Harvard Medical School she is now the William Lambert Richardson Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine as well as a professor of pathology. At Brigham and Women's Hospital she also holds the Keneth J. Ryan, M.D., Distinguished Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [1] She is an adjunct professor at the University of Manchester. [3]

She has done research on "molecular cytogenetics, hereditary deafness, genetics of uterine leiomyomata and human developmental disorders." [3] The research done by her and her co-workers lead to the "identification of the first gene implicated in uterine fibroids, HMGA2." [2]

Dr. Morton’s research focuses on using genetic information to differentiate the projected clinical course of various tumors. One of these clinical targets is the solid uterine fibroid, a benign tumor that nevertheless affects the majority of women and causes substantial morbidity. Dr. Morton’s laboratory was among the first to elucidate a collection of genetic abnormalities associated with this tumor, as chronicled in a series of papers published in the late 1990s. [2]

Morton founded the Developmental Genome Anatomy Project (DGAP), which searches for molecular causes of developmental disabilities. [4] Morton is the author or co-author of over 300 articles in academic journals. For six years (from 2005 to 2011) she was editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Human Genetics . [3] [5]

She is married and has a daughter and a son. [6]

Awards and honors

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leiomyoma</span> Benign tumor of smooth muscle

A leiomyoma, also known as a fibroid, is a benign smooth muscle tumor that very rarely becomes cancer (0.1%). They can occur in any organ, but the most common forms occur in the uterus, small bowel, and the esophagus. Polycythemia may occur due to increased erythropoietin production as part of a paraneoplastic syndrome.

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), also known as atypical vaginal bleeding (AVB), is vaginal bleeding from the uterus that is abnormally frequent, lasts excessively long, is heavier than normal, or is irregular. The term dysfunctional uterine bleeding was used when no underlying cause was present. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is excluded. Iron deficiency anemia may occur and quality of life may be negatively affected.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benign tumor</span> Mass of cells which cannot spread throughout the body

A benign tumor is a mass of cells (tumor) that does not invade neighboring tissue or metastasize. Compared to malignant (cancerous) tumors, benign tumors generally have a slower growth rate. Benign tumors have relatively well differentiated cells. They are often surrounded by an outer surface or stay contained within the epithelium. Common examples of benign tumors include moles and uterine fibroids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaginal bleeding</span> Medical condition

Vaginal bleeding is any expulsion of blood from the vagina. This bleeding may originate from the uterus, vaginal wall, or cervix. Generally, it is either part of a normal menstrual cycle or is caused by hormonal or other problems of the reproductive system, such as abnormal uterine bleeding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uterine fibroid</span> Benign smooth-muscle tumors of the uterus

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, fibromyoma or fibroids, are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus, part of the female reproductive system. Most women with fibroids have no symptoms while others may have painful or heavy periods. If large enough, they may push on the bladder, causing a frequent need to urinate. They may also cause pain during penetrative sex or lower back pain. Someone can have one uterine fibroid or many. It is uncommon but possible that fibroids may make it difficult to become pregnant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cowden syndrome</span> Medical condition

Cowden syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited condition characterized by benign overgrowths called hamartomas as well as an increased lifetime risk of breast, thyroid, uterine, and other cancers. It is often underdiagnosed due to variability in disease presentation, but 99% of patients report mucocutaneous symptoms by age 20–29. Despite some considering it a primarily dermatologic condition, Cowden's syndrome is a multi-system disorder that also includes neurodevelopmental disorders such as macrocephaly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uterine artery embolization</span>

Uterine artery embolization is a procedure in which an interventional radiologist uses a catheter to deliver small particles that block the blood supply to the uterine body. The procedure is primarily done for the treatment of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. Compared to surgical treatment for fibroids such as a hysterectomy, in which a woman's uterus is removed, uterine artery embolization may be beneficial in women who wish to retain their uterus. Other reasons for uterine artery embolization are postpartum hemorrhage and uterine arteriovenous malformations.

<i>American Journal of Human Genetics</i> Academic journal

The American Journal of Human Genetics is a monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal in the field of human genetics. It was established in 1948 by the American Society of Human Genetics and covers all aspects of heredity in humans, including the application of genetics in medicine and public policy, as well as the related areas of molecular and cell biology. According to the Journal Citation Reports, the journal has a 2019 impact factor of 10.502. The journal is published by Cell Press an imprint of Elsevier. Bruce R. Korf became the editor-in-chief in the winter of 2017–2018.

Patricia Ann Jacobs is a Scottish geneticist and is Honorary Professor of Human Genetics, Co-director of Research, Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory, within the University of Southampton.

Genital leiomyomas are leiomyomas that originate in the dartos muscles, or smooth muscles, of the genitalia, areola, and nipple. They are a subtype of cutaneous leiomyomas that affect smooth muscle found in the scrotum, labia, or nipple. They are benign tumors, but may cause pain and discomfort to patients. Genital leiomyoma can be symptomatic or asymptomatic and is dependent on the type of leiomyoma. In most cases, pain in the affected area or region is most common. For vaginal leiomyoma, vaginal bleeding and pain may occur. Uterine leiomyoma may exhibit pain in the area as well as painful bowel movement and/or sexual intercourse. Nipple pain, enlargement, and tenderness can be a symptom of nipple-areolar leiomyomas. Genital leiomyomas can be caused by multiple factors, one can be genetic mutations that affect hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Moreover, risk factors to the development of genital leiomyomas include age, race, and gender. Ultrasound and imaging procedures are used to diagnose genital leiomyomas, while surgically removing the tumor is the most common treatment of these diseases. Case studies for nipple areolar, scrotal, and uterine leiomyoma were used, since there were not enough secondary resources to provide more evidence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intravenous leiomyomatosis</span> Medical condition

Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a rare condition seen exclusively in women in which leiomyomata, benign smooth muscle tumors, are found in veins. The masses are benign-appearing but can spread throughout the venous system leaving the uterus and even cause death when growing into the heart from the IVC. While the possibility that these arose de novo from the smooth muscle in the blood vessel wall was considered, chromosomal analysis suggests a uterine origin. Intravenous leiomyomata are usually but not always associated with uterine fibroids, and tend to recur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome</span> Medical condition

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) or Reed's syndrome is rare autosomal dominant disorder associated with benign smooth muscle tumors and an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma. It is characterised by multiple cutaneous leiomyomas and, in women, uterine leiomyomas. It predisposes individuals to renal cell cancer, an association denominated hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer. It is also associated with increased risk of uterine leiomyosarcoma. The syndrome is caused by a mutation in the fumarate hydratase gene, which leads to an accumulation of fumarate. The inheritance pattern is autosomal dominant and screening can typically begin in childhood.

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Cynthia Casson Morton, PhD". Morton Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
  2. 1 2 3 "Featured Investigator, Cynthia C. Morton, PhD". Brigham Research Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital.
  3. 1 2 3 "Prof Cynthia Morton, Chair in Auditory Genetics". The University of Manchester. (with online links to publications)
  4. ↑ Andersen, Rebecca E.; Alkuraya, Ibrahim F.; Ajeesh, Abna; Sakamoto, Tyler; Mena, Elijah L.; Amr, Sami S.; Romi, Hila; Kenna, Margaret A.; Robson, Caroline D.; Wilch, Ellen S.; Nalbandian, Katarena; Piña-Aguilar, Raul; Walsh, Christopher A.; Morton, Cynthia C. (2024). "Chromosomal structural rearrangements implicate long non-coding RNAs in rare germline disorders". Human Genetics. 143 (7). Springer Science and Business Media LLC: 921–938. doi: 10.1007/s00439-024-02693-y . ISSN   0340-6717. PMC   11294402 .
  5. ↑ Morton, Cynthia Casson (2011). "Time to Say Goodbye ..." The American Journal of Human Genetics. 89 (6): 687. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2011.11.017 . ISSN   0002-9297. PMC   3234365 .
  6. ↑ Morton, Cynthia Casson (2015). "2014 Presidential Address: The Time of Our Lives". The American Journal of Human Genetics. 96 (3): 347–351. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2014.11.017 . PMC   4375456 . PMID   25748349.
  7. ↑ Morton, Cynthia C. (1998). "Many Tumors and Many Genes". The American Journal of Pathology. 153 (4): 1015–1020. doi:10.1016/S0002-9440(10)65645-3. ISSN   0002-9440. PMC   1853042 . PMID   9777932.
  8. ↑ Cotran, R. S. (1998). "Forty Years of the Warner-Lambert/ Parke-Davis Award : A Remarkable Record". The American Journal of Pathology. 153 (4): 1014. doi:10.1016/S0002-9440(10)65644-1. PMC   1853043 . PMID   9777931.
  9. ↑ Stern, Gavin (16 November 2015). "2015 AAAS Fellows Recognized for Contributions to Advancing Science". American Association for the Advancement of Science (aaas.org).

The Developmental Genome Anatomy Project (DGAP)

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