Anna Greka

Why you should listen

How does a single misspelling in the DNA lead to disease? What can a faulty circuit in cells in the kidney teach us about diseases in the eye or the brain? A physician-scientist and cell biologist at Harvard Medical School, Mass General Brigham and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Anna Greka spearheads research aimed at understanding the fundamental mechanisms of cellular dysfunction in genetic diseases. Leading a team of curiosity-driven “molecular sleuths,” she has uncovered opportunities to target convergent, nodal biological pathways that cause diseases in many different cell types and organs. This new approach can revolutionize our ability to rapidly and simultaneously treat disorders that affect kidneys, eyes, brains and more — with the potential to help millions of patients across the globe. Greka is looking to build a future where we have treatments and cures for all genetic diseases. Aiming to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into treatments for patients, she serves as cofounder and scientific advisor to several biotechnology companies. Her work has been recognized with the Donald Seldin-Holly Smith Award for Pioneering Research from the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) and with a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from the Obama White House. She was elected to serve as president of the ASCI and she is a member of the National Academy of Medicine’s Emerging Leaders Forum.