James Yager

James Yager has been a leading figure in elucidating the genotoxic mechanisms of estrogen metabolites in cancer development, demonstrating that catechol estrogen quinones form depurinating DNA adducts that initiate mutations in both reproductive and non-reproductive tissues. His research at Johns Hopkins has defined the molecular pathways by which estrogen metabolism generates reactive intermediates capable of directly damaging DNA, challenging the traditional view that estrogens promote cancer solely through receptor-mediated proliferation. His work has expanded understanding of hormonal carcinogenesis to include direct genotoxic mechanisms relevant to multiple cancer types.