Columbia University Bio Bytes

Author: Columbia Sys Bio Initiative

Welcome to Bio Bytes! Tune in for interviews with prominent scientists working at the intersection of Biology, Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, and Mathematics. Check out our sister podcast "BioWorks" (https://anchor.fm/bioworks) for great discussions on life science-related business, investing, and policy. To support our podcast: https://securepay.cuit.columbia.edu/payment/pub/sponsor-sbi/https://securepay.cuit.columbia.edu/payment/pub/sponsor-sbi/ Please email sophiadeng0321@icloud.com with any inquiries about Bio Bytes. Logo credit: Vivian Shi (vgs2110@columbia.edu)
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en

Genres: Science

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

BioBytes 45: Protecting the Genome with Alberto Ciccia: DNA Repair, Immunity, and Future Therapies
Episode 45
Monday, 2 February, 2026

Alberto Ciccia, Professor of Genetics and Development at Columbia University, joins us to discuss how cells protect their genomes and how these pathways intersect with cancer and immunity. He explains how his lab uses CRISPR-based genome-editing tools to map the DNA damage response and uncover new therapeutic targets. We also talk about his recent Cell study showing how the DNA damage response factor SMARCAL1 shapes immune signaling and tumor immune evasion. Throughout the conversation, Professor Ciccia reflects on mentorship, scientific creativity, and how advances in DNA repair research could translate into better diagnostics and treatments for patients.Hosted by Sophia Deng.