Research Interests Dr. Gerson's research interests are in the areas of stem cells and DNA repair. In his stem cell research, he developed mesenchymal stem cells as a therapeutic infusion for blood stem cell transplantation and for the correction of genetic disorders. This therapy is approaching FDA approval. He identified a gene therapy strategy method that creates drug-resistant stem cells capable of selectively repopulating the recipient without the need for high dose toxic therapy. This strategy is now used experimentally and clinically throughout the country. In the area of DNA repair, he developed inhibitors of DNA repair to improve the efficacy of anti-cancer agents. Both are currently in clinical trials. Finally, Dr. Gerson has developed transgenic mouse models that examine the role of critical genes in the stability of stem cell populations over the lifetime of the animal. These studies may predict stem cell diseases of aging and cancer. His research has generated 12 patents in the area of gene therapy and cancer drug development that have been licensed to three companies.