Renato Baserga, MD: In Memoriam (1925–2023)

Abstract

We are saddened by the passing of Renato Baserga, who died on March 5, 2023, several days before his ninety-eighth birthday. Renato's contributions to defining the biology and pathology of the cell cycle and growth control are highly significant and far-reaching. His impact on the understanding of physiological regulation of cell division and cancer-compromised mechanisms that govern proliferation was enormous and mechanistically, as well as clinically, significant.Renato received an MD degree and completed a pathology residency at the University of Milan. He then completed a second residency in oncology and pathology at the Chicago Medical School and graduate training in biochemistry at Northwestern University in Chicago. His early research addressed tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis in animal models, providing important insights into hormonal control of tumorigenesis, including the action of glucocorticoids on tumor growth. As a faculty member at Northwestern University, Renato pioneered the development of autoradiography and radiolabeling approaches to investigate growth control and metabolic regulation in cancer cells. These approaches were instrumental for the development of molecular pathology as a strategy to mechanistically investigate cancer, and they provided a foundation for the evolution of molecular diagnostics.In 1965, Renato moved to Philadelphia. At the Fels Research Institute, Temple University School of Medicine, and at the Thomas Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center, he developed cancer research programs that provided transformative advances in defining the molecular parameters of cell cycle control in in vivo animal models, as well as in highly informative cell systems. Beyond identification and characterization of regulatory pathways that mediate proliferation, Renato’s work elucidated the relationships between the cell cycle and growth control, proliferation and differentiation, and cell structure and gene expression.In addition to the enormous contributions of his laboratory discoveries that advanced the understanding of cancer biology and pathology, Renato was committed to disseminating research findings. As an associate editor for Cancer Research (1990–2000), he advocated for maximizing effective communication, emphasizing accessibility to the broad biomedical community.While he was devoted to his research, Renato's priority was his family. He was immensely proud of his two daughters, Janice (1959–2016), who was a veterinarian, and Susan, who is an internationally recognized leader in RNA biology and pathology. Renato's wife, Beverly, was his treasured and dedicated partner who meant more to him than words can describe.Renato had a contagious passion for discovery. He was an exceptional mentor and role model for his students. By example, he conveyed the power of innovative thinking as the basis for rigorous and systematic investigation. Renato leaves behind a legacy of insights into aberrant regulatory mechanisms that mediate cancer initiation and progression. In addition, he provided valuable guidance to research scientists and clinical investigators who will continue exploring cancer-compromised regulatory mechanisms to further expand our understanding of cancer biology and pathology.