Paul Knoepfler, Ph.D.

Influential researcher, educator, and critic of unproven therapies.

Dr. Paul S. Knoepfler is a leading stem cell biologist, cancer researcher, and science communicator renowned for his work on epigenetics, chromatin regulation in stem cells and tumors, and advocacy against unproven stem cell clinics. As a full professor at UC Davis School of Medicine (since tenure in 2011), he holds appointments in the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, Genome Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute for Regenerative Cures, and Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine at Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California.

His Knoepfler Lab focuses on key factors like the MYC oncogene family, histone variant H3.3, and DPPA4 in stem cell biology, tumorigenesis (especially pediatric brain tumors like gliomas), and regenerative medicine safety. Using CRISPR, genomics, and advanced modeling, the lab aims to develop safer stem cell therapies and targeted cancer treatments.

A prostate cancer survivor (diagnosed 2009, in remission post-surgery), Knoepfler founded The Niche in 2010—the world’s most authoritative stem cell blog (over 10 million views). It educates on breakthroughs, policy, ethics, and risks of unregulated clinics, earning him media quotes in NYT, WaPo, and The Guardian. His TED talk on CRISPR risks has nearly 1.7 million views.

Key Awards & Honors:

• Named one of the 50 most influential people in stem cells (2013)
• GPI National Stem Cell Advocacy Award (2013)
• $2M CIRM New Faculty Award (2008)
• Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Award (March of Dimes)
• Howard Temin Award (NCI); Jane Coffin Childs Fellowship

Books:

• Stem Cells: An Insider’s Guide (2013)
• GMO Sapiens: The Life-Changing Science of Designer Babies (2015)
• How to Build a Dragon or Die Trying (2019, co-authored with daughter Julie)

Knoepfler advocates evidence-based medicine, warns against “stem cell tourism,” and supports responsible CRISPR use (e.g., moratorium on heritable editing). A prolific author (h-index 40+, 5,400+ citations), he bridges science and public understanding in the regenerative field.