Chromatin Biology

CHROMATIN BIOLOGY (CB) PROGRAM PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center (DLDCCC) Program in Chromatin Biology Program is a newly expanded Program with expertise in epigenomics, DNA mutations, transcriptional regulation, technologies, and early-stage translation. The CB Program has 27 Research members and 1 Clinical member with current support of 34.3 million. In the last 5 years, members of the CB Program published 297 cancer-related manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, 46% of which represent inter-programmatic and 23% intra-programmatic collaborations. Notably, 41% were published in journals with an impact factor >10. The overall scientific goal of the CB Program is to conduct impactful discovery research and promote rapid translation of discoveries on mechanisms of tumorigenesis linked to chromatin biology. CB Program faculty catalyze research advances on DNA integrity, epigenetics, RNA biology and transcription. Theme 1 is focused on DNA and Epigenetics. Theme 1 Aims are to identify and characterize genomic DNA and epigenomic alterations associated with cancer initiation, plasticity, heterogeneity, and progression. Theme 2 is focused on RNA biology and Transcription. Theme 2 Aims are to target transcriptional regulation as a new therapeutic approach using new technologies and applications of machine learning, epigenetic regulation of transcription, and translation of new discoveries to the clinic. The two themes are scientifically intertwined and focus on equally impactful areas of cancer research.