Rate My Professor Stefan Roberts

Roberts' research program centers on elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which transcriptional regulators govern gene expression in normal cells and cancer. Central themes include the Wilms’ tumor 1 protein (WT1) as a paradigm for activator-repressor switching, the essential role of nuclear lipids in transcription control, and BASP1 as a transcriptional corepressor and driver of cellular differentiation acting as a tumor suppressor. His laboratory has identified a novel core promoter element regulating approximately 30 percent of human genes and advanced knowledge on lipid-mediated transcription regulation. Roberts has authored 79 peer-reviewed publications, secured $9 million in research grants, and mentored 12 PhD students to completion. Notable publications include "Cholesterol is required for transcriptional repression by BASP1" (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, 2021), "The BASP1 transcriptional corepressor modifies chromatin through lipid-dependent and lipid-independent mechanisms" (iScience, 2022), and "Crosstalk between β-catenin and WT1 signalling in acute myeloid leukemia" (Haematologica, 2023). He has received prestigious awards such as the Tenovus Medal for Cancer Research, along with Wellcome Trust fellowships.