Cancer Genetics and Genomics

Research in this area focuses on genetic and epigenetic alterations that ultimately result in cancer initiation and progression. This encompasses the study of DNA damage-managing systems, including DNA repair and DNA damage recognition. DNA damage includes damage induced by mutagens, as well as chromosome instability and aneuploidy triggered by oncogenes and tumor suppressors. The epigenetics components of this research include transcription factors, DNA methylation, and chromatin modifications leading to dysregulated transcription, an important component of tumor biogenesis. Complementary investigations use cancer genomics, in which the changes in gene expression, DNA methylation, mutations, amplifications, and deletions are examined on a global scale to understand the mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression.

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