Cancer Genetics and Genomics

Research in this area focuses on genetic and epigenetic alterations that drive cancer initiation and progression. This encompasses the study of DNA damage-managing systems, including repair and damage recognition pathways. Such damage includes lesions induced by mutagens, as well as chromosome instability and aneuploidy triggered by oncogenes and tumor suppressors. The epigenetic facets of this research include transcription factors, DNA methylation, and chromatin modifications that lead to dysregulated transcription, which is a critical driver of tumor biogenesis. Complementary investigations leverage cancer genomics to examine changes in gene expression, DNA methylation, mutations, amplifications, and deletions on a global scale.

Visit the Cancer Biology faculty directory to find those conducting research into this area.