Cancer Genetics & Biology Research

Cancer is a genetic disease. Alterations in genome integrity, such as DNA ploidy, chromosome rearrangements, genetic deletions and point mutations, ultimately drive cell transformation and tumor formation. Many GMB cancer investigators are also members of the Winship Cancer Institute, which enables comprehensive training from "bench to the clinic". Research topics include understanding cancer formation and malignant progression using bioinformatics and array technologies, DNA methylation and epigenetic mechanisms of human carcinogenesis, genetic regulation of cell cycle control, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Translational research seeks to develop novel molecular genetic therapies. The molecular mechanisms involved in the genesis of cancer are studied in clinical material from human tumor patients and in animal models. Specific areas of focus include brain, prostate, breast, head and neck, skin, and gastro-intestinal cancers.