Basil G Hanss, PhD
- SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR STUDENT AND POSTDOCTORAL AFFAIRS | Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
- ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL WELL-BEING AND RESILIENCE | Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
- ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Medicine, Nephrology
- ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Medical Education
- ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR | Pharmacological Sciences
Research Topics:
Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Cell Biology, Epithelial Cells, Gene Therapy, Intracellular Transport, Kidney, Membrane Proteins/Channels, Membranes, Molecular Biology, Nanotechnology, Protein Complexes, Protein Structure/Function, Proteomics, Structural Biology, TransportersDr. Hanss is an Associate Professor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine with appointments in the Departments of Medicine, Structural and Chemical Biology, and Medical Education. He is also Associate Dean in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Most recently, Dr. Hanss was appointed as Director of Educational Programs for the Mount Sinai Institute of Technology. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Lewis and Clark College where he studied Biology, and a Ph.D. in Physiology from Tulane University. He spent a year at the National Institutes of Health as a Postdoctoral Fellow before joining the faculty at Mt. Sinai as a Research Assistant Professor in 1996.
Dr. Hanss’s research focuses on discovering the mechanisms by which nucleic acids cross cell membranes. This poorly understood mechanism is important in nucleic acid signaling systems and in the successful deployment of naked DNA or RNA therapeutic technology. In addition, Dr. Hanss's lab focuses on development of technologies derived from his basic science research. Dr. Hanss is involved in classroom teaching and educational administration as well. He has taught medical and graduate students for more than 25 years at several institutions including Tulane University, the MIT/Harvard M.D./Ph.D. training program, and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
Multi-Disciplinary Training Areas
Neuroscience [NEU], Pharmacology and Therapeutics Discovery [PTD]Education
BS, Lewis and Clark College
PhD, Tulane University
NIDR/NIH
Characterization of a nucleic acid transporter
The precise molecular mechanism(s) responsible for nucleic acid transport across the plasma membrane are being defined. This research has led to the identification and partial characterization of a plasma membrane protein complex that functions as a highly selective nucleic acid-conducting channel. To date the substrate specificity of the channel has been defined and several channel blockers identified. In addition, three putative channel complex proteins have been cloned. Having now obtained definitive evidence for the role of one of these proteins in channel function future projects focus on definition of the role of the other two proteins. Strategies are being applied to develop a molecular model of nucleic acid transport
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device and biotechnology companies 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 relationships with such companies.
Dr. Hanss did not report having any of the following types of financial relationships with industry during 2022 and/or 2023: consulting, scientific advisory board, industry-sponsored lectures, service on Board of Directors, participation on industry-sponsored committees, equity ownership valued at greater than 5% of a publicly traded company or any value in a privately held company. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.
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.