David developed the method for regulating protein-protein interactions with synthetic ligands or Chemical Induces of Dimerization (CIDs) (Spencer et al Science 1993). Using this approach he showed that receptors such as the T cell receptor, the B cell receptor, the Fas receptor and many others can be regulated by simple proximity. He worked with Tom Wandless, a graduate student in Stuart Schreiber’s laboratory on this project. Tom is now an Associate Professor at Stanford University and David is an Associate Professor at Baylor University where is continuing to develop this system for gene therapy. David can be reached at: dspencer@bcm.tmc.edu or see his web page.