J. Michael Bishop

J. Michael Bishop is an American scientist renowned for his groundbreaking research in cancer biology. He, along with his colleague Harold Varmus, discovered that genes called proto-oncogenes can turn into cancer-causing genes called oncogenes, through genetic mutations. This discovery fundamentally changed understanding of how cancer develops and opened new pathways for research and treatment. Bishop’s work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1989. His research has advanced knowledge of cell growth and genetic regulation, significantly impacting medicine and cancer therapy.