Harry S.N. Greene

Last updated
Harry S.N. Greene
BornSeptember 22, 1904 [1]
DiedFebruary 14, 1969(1969-02-14) (aged 64) [1]
NationalityAmerican
OccupationProfessor of Pathology
Known forCancer research

Harry S.N. Greene, M.D. (1904-1969) was an American pathologist. He was the Anthony N. Brady Professor and chairman of the department of pathology at the Yale School of Medicine. [3] He joined the Yale faculty in 1943 and was named chair of the department in 1950. [4] He remained chairman for nearly 20 years until his death in 1969 at the age of 64. [5] He was a colorful and memorable teacher. [6]

Contents

He was internationally noted for his work in cancer research which led to breakthroughs in tissue transplantation. [4] His work on transplanting tumors led to a better understanding of tissue growth and organ transplantation, particularly compatibility issues. [7]

In the 1950s and 1960s he gained public prominence as a very vocal skeptic of then-new theory that there was a connection between smoking and lung cancer. [8] [9] In 1957 he testified to a Congressional committee investigating the health effects of smoking that the apparent association between smoking and lung cancer was purely statistical and that there was no evidence that the one caused the other. He later wrote that "The evidence from both approaches, statistical and experimental, does not appear sufficiently significant to me to warrant forsaking the pleasure of smoking." [1]

He was first married to Helen Davis Greene, with whom he had a daughter, and then to Jean Barnes Greene; with whom he had two daughters. [10]

Recognition

In 1956 he was given the Borden Award in the Medical Sciences by the Association of American Medical Colleges. [11]

Related Research Articles

Lung cancer Cancer in the lung

Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma, since about 98–99% of all lung cancers are carcinomas, is a malignant lung tumor characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. Lung carcinomas derive from transformed, malignant cells that originate as epithelial cells, or from tissues composed of epithelial cells. Other lung cancers, such as the rare sarcomas of the lung, are generated by the malignant transformation of connective tissues, which arise from mesenchymal cells. Lymphomas and melanomas can also rarely result in lung cancer.

Metastasis Spread of a disease inside a body

Metastasis is a pathogenic agent's spread from an initial or primary site to a different or secondary site within the host's body; the term is typically used when referring to metastasis by a cancerous tumor. The newly pathological sites, then, are metastases (mets). It is generally distinguished from cancer invasion, which is the direct extension and penetration by cancer cells into neighboring tissues.

Carcinoma A malignancy that develops from epithelial cells

Carcinoma is a malignancy that develops from epithelial cells. Specifically, a carcinoma is a cancer that begins in a tissue that lines the inner or outer surfaces of the body, and that arises from cells originating in the endodermal, mesodermal or ectodermal germ layer during embryogenesis.

Biopsy Medical test involving extraction of sample cells or tissues for examination

A biopsy is a medical test commonly performed by a surgeon, interventional radiologist, or an interventional cardiologist. The process involves extraction of sample cells or tissues for examination to determine the presence or extent of a disease. The tissue is generally examined under a microscope by a pathologist; it may also be analyzed chemically. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. An incisional biopsy or core biopsy samples a portion of the abnormal tissue without attempting to remove the entire lesion or tumor. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle in such a way that cells are removed without preserving the histological architecture of the tissue cells, the procedure is called a needle aspiration biopsy. Biopsies are most commonly performed for insight into possible cancerous or inflammatory conditions.

Asbestosis Pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation and retention of asbestos fibers

Asbestosis is long-term inflammation and scarring of the lungs due to asbestos fibers. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. Complications may include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pulmonary heart disease.

Malignancy Medical condition

Malignancy is the tendency of a medical condition to become progressively worse.

Neoplasm Abnormal mass of tissue as a result of abnormal growth or division of cells

A neoplasm is a type of abnormal and excessive growth of tissue. The process that occurs to form or produce a neoplasm is called neoplasia. The growth of a neoplasm is uncoordinated with that of the normal surrounding tissue, and persists in growing abnormally, even if the original trigger is removed. This abnormal growth usually forms a mass, when it may be called a tumor.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Medical condition

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, progressive and systemic disease that typically results in cystic lung destruction. It predominantly affects women, especially during childbearing years. The term sporadic LAM is used for patients with LAM not associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), while TSC-LAM refers to LAM that is associated with TSC.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which the lungs become scarred over time. Symptoms include shortness of breath, a dry cough, feeling tired, weight loss, and nail clubbing. Complications may include pulmonary hypertension, respiratory failure, pneumothorax, and lung cancer.

Amphiregulin

Amphiregulin, also known as AREG, is a protein synthesized as a transmembrane glycoprotein with 252 aminoacids and it is encoded by the AREG gene. in humans.

CTGF

CTGF, also known as CCN2 or connective tissue growth factor, is a matricellular protein of the CCN family of extracellular matrix-associated heparin-binding proteins. CTGF has important roles in many biological processes, including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, angiogenesis, skeletal development, and tissue wound repair, and is critically involved in fibrotic disease and several forms of cancers.

Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor

The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), now properly known as BB2 is a G protein-coupled receptor whose endogenous ligand is gastrin releasing peptide. In humans it is highly expressed in the pancreas and is also expressed in the stomach, adrenal cortex and brain.

ERBB3 Protein found in humans

Receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-3, also known as HER3, is a membrane bound protein that in humans is encoded by the ERBB3 gene.

PTPN1

Tyrosine-protein phosphatase non-receptor type 1 also known as protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is an enzyme that is the founding member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) family. In humans it is encoded by the PTPN1 gene. PTP1B is a negative regulator of the insulin signaling pathway and is considered a promising potential therapeutic target, in particular for treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has also been implicated in the development of breast cancer and has been explored as a potential therapeutic target in that avenue as well.

FGF19

Fibroblast growth factor 19 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FGF19 gene. It functions as a hormone, regulating bile acid synthesis, with effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. Reduced synthesis, and blood levels, may be a factor in chronic bile acid diarrhea and in certain metabolic disorders.

Combined small-cell lung carcinoma Medical condition

Combined small cell lung carcinoma is a form of multiphasic lung cancer that is diagnosed by a pathologist when a malignant tumor arising from transformed cells originating in lung tissue contains a component of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) admixed with one components of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

mir-205

In molecular biology miR-205 microRNA is a short RNA molecule. MicroRNAs function to regulate the expression levels of other genes by several mechanisms. They are involved in numerous cellular processes, including development, proliferation, and apoptosis. Currently, it is believed that miRNAs elicit their effect by silencing the expression of target genes.

William Freer Bale, biophysicist and educator, held key positions in the Atomic Energy Project at the University of Rochester. Pioneer in the study of radon exposure to miners.

Emphysema Medical condition

Emphysema, or pulmonary emphysema, is a lower respiratory tract disease, characterised by air-filled spaces (pneumatoses) in the lung, that can vary in size and may be very large. The spaces are caused by the breakdown of the walls of the alveoli and they replace the spongy lung parenchyma. This reduces the total alveolar surface available for gas exchange leading to a reduction in oxygen supply for the blood. Emphysema usually affects the middle aged or older population because it takes time to develop with the effects of smoking, and other risk factors. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic risk factor that may lead to the condition presenting earlier.

MED19

Mediator complex subunit 19 (Med19) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MED19 gene.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Harry S. N. Greene". Today in Science. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
  2. "Dr. Harry S. N. Greene Dies; Professor at Yale". The Courant. February 15, 1969. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  3. Waters LL (1971). "Harry S. N. Greene, M.D". Yale J Biol Med. 43 (4–5): 207–9. PMC   2592965 . PMID   4931247.
  4. 1 2 News Items, page 254
  5. Hartford Courant, February 15, 1969
  6. Skinner DB (1971). "The compleat challenger--Dr. Harry S. N. Greene". Yale J Biol Med. 43 (4–5): 204–6. PMC   2592950 . PMID   4931246.
  7. Greene, H.S.N., Compatibility and Noncompatibility in Tissue Transplantation, page 177, in Biological Specificity and Growth, edited by E.G. Butler, Princeton University Press, 1955
  8. "Tobaccodocuments.org, hosted at Mayo Clinic". Archived from the original on 2011-06-15. Retrieved 2010-11-07.
  9. Greene, H.S.M., Introduction to Science Looks at Smoking by Eric Northrup, cited at deuceofclubs.com
  10. "Yale Pathologist Succumbs at 60". The Day. Associated Press. February 15, 1969. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  11. New York Times, November 13, 1956