Robert J Desnick, PhD, MD
img_Robert J Desnick
PROFESSOR & CHAIR EMERITUS | Genetics and Genomic Sciences
PROFESSOR | Pediatrics
PROFESSOR | Oncological Sciences
PROFESSOR | Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science
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Specialties
Genetics and Genomics
Research Topics
Enzymology, Gene Discovery, Genetics, Genomics, Human Genetics and Genetic Disorders, Lysosomal Storage Diseases, Lysosomes/endosome, Protein Complexes, Protein Degradation, Protein Folding, Protein Structure/Function, Proteomics, Stem Cells
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Genetics and Genomic Sciences [GGS]
Pharmacogenetics / Pharmacogenomics
These studies involve the identification of variations in human genes responsible for the metabolism of drugs.  These variations cause the adverse drug responses that are common and often life-threatening.  Examples of the known genes with varying pharmacogenetic responses are the P450 genes.  By identifying the key genetic variations in an individual's genome that alter the activation, metabolism, transport, distribution and clearance of a given drug, a person's pharmacogenetic profile can be determined, permitting personalized drug selection and dosage.  Currently, we are a site for the NIH-sponsored clinical trial of genome-guided dosing for warfarin. Using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), candidate genes for a given drug are interrogated for informative haplotypes which are then tested in a given population of individuals experiencing adverse affects of the drug.  In addition, variations that alter drug metabolism can be tested in individuals taking the drug.
Molecular Genetics and Treatment of Lysosomal Storage Diseases & Inhertited Porphyrias
For the past two decades, studies of the lysosome and the pathogenesis and treatment of lysosomal storage diseases have been a major research theme of this laboratory. For example, in Fabry disease (galactosidase-Gal A] deficiency), our group isolated the human-Gal A gene, developed novel overexpression methods, and made knock-out mice with Fabry disease for preclinical studies of enzyme and gene therapy. These basic science studies provided the rationale for the clinical trials of enzyme therapy that proved effective in this disease. These studied culminated in approval of enzyme replacement for Fabry disease by the FDA in April 2003. Current studies are directed to: 1) identify and characterize the structure/function relationships of mutations in the Gal A gene which cause Fabry disease, 2) develop novel therapeutic strategies to treat Fabry disease and other disorders due to protein misfolding by rescuing/stabilizing the misfolded protein with small molecule pharmacologic chaperones, and 3) develop stem cell and gene replacement strategies for these diseases.

Heme biosynthesis requires eight enzymatic steps to convert succinyl-CoA and glycine to the final product, heme. All eight enzymes are encoded by nuclear genes, with the first and last three enzymes being located in the mitochondria while the second through fifth enzymes are in the cytosol. The inherited porphyrias are inborn errors of heme biosynthesis, each resulting from the deficient activity of a particular enzyme.  Previously, our laboratory: 1) developed assays, 2) purified these enzymes, 3) isolated and characterized the cDNAs and genomic sequences encoding several enzymes, and 4) identified molecular lesions causing the different porphyrias. Recently, we developed knock-in mouse models for an erythropoietic porphyria, congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP), and are currently developing knock-in mice to generate an improved mouse model for a hepatic porphyria, acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). These models will permit studies of the cutaneous and acute neurologic pathophysiologies of these porphyrias, and facilitate the development of novel therapies. Current therapeutic efforts in these models include hematopoietic stem cell therapy for CEP and AAV-8 mediated hepatic-targeted gene therapy for AIP.



Gene Discovery for Rare & Common Diseases
Using positional cloning and linkage analysis strategies, our previous efforts have resulted in the identification of several genes causing Mendelian disorders.  Current research is focused on several Mendelian disorders and complex traits including Crohn’s disease, a common inflammatory bowel disease. To identify the predisposing/susceptibility genes for complex traits, genome-wide association studies using 1 million SNP-DNA arrays, candidate gene approaches, and sequencing for rare variants are being used. Studies of common complex traits will guide future predictive and preventive genetic strategies for improved, personalized health

MD, University of Minnesota

Residency, Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School

2010

Distingushed Service Award

Association of American Medical Colleges

2005

Award for Excellence in Clinical Research

National Center for Research Resources, NIH

2005

Albion O. Bernstein, MD Award for Contributions in Disease Prevention

New York State Medical Society

2004

Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa

Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University

2004

Edward H. Ahrens Jr. Award for Research

Association for Patient-Oriented Research

2004

Distinguished Alumni Award

University of Minnesota Medical School

2004

Elected Senior Fellow,

American Association for the Advancement of Science

2004

Elected Member

Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences

2004

Jacobi Medal

Mount Sinai Alumni Association

2003

J. Lester Gabrilove Award for Medical Research

2000

Best Doctors

New York Magazine

1999

Honorary Member

Societá Italiana di Pediatria

1992

NIH MERIT Award

1991

Correspondent Member

Societá Italiana di Pediatria

1991

Outstanding Faculty Award

Mount Sinai School of Medicine

1985

Honorary Member

Japanese Society for Inherited Metabolic Diseases

1981

E. Mead Johnson Award for Research in Pediatrics of the American Academy of Pediatrics

1975

NIH Research Career Development Award

1973

C.J. Watson Award, University of Minnesota

1968

U.S. Public Health Service Fellowship in Genetics

Faculty Spotlight: Robert Desnick, PhD, MD

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. Desnick during 2023 and/or 2024. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.

Consulting or Other Professional Services: Examples include, but are not limited to, committee participation, data safety monitoring board (DSMB) membership

  • Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Development America
  • CRISPR Therapeutics
  • Disc Medicine, Inc.
  • Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Sanofi Genzyme
  • Recordati, LLC

Royalty Payments:

  • Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Sanofi Genzyme

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.