Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics

The overarching goal of the Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics (CGE) Program is to define the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that preserve genome integrity in normal cells and elicit genome instability in cancer cells. The Program is led by Jean Gautier, PhD, Susan Bates, MD, and Raul Rabadan, PhD, who have complementary expertise in experimental, translational/clinical, and computational cancer research, respectively. In 2024, the CGE Program’s 46 Members held $17M in cancer-focused, peer-reviewed funding (Annual Direct Costs), with $8.5M (50%) from the NCI, $7.9M (46%) from other NIH institutes, and $0.7M (4%) from other peer-review agencies. During the project period, CGE Members authored 468 cancer-relevant research publications, of which 19% were intra-programmatic, 32% inter-programmatic, and 82% inter-institutional. Of note, 43% appeared in journals with impact factor >10 and 16% (of total) in journals with impact factor >20. CGE Program Member-led clinical trials accrued 299 subjects to interventional trials, 49% to investigator-initiated trials). The scientific goals of the CGE Program are achieved through three interrelated Specific Aims that advance the HICCC’s strategic focus on fostering discovery science and accelerating translation into innovative clinical research: (1) Genome Plasticity: evaluate how normal and pathological pathways of DNA repair contribute to genomic instability associated with cancer; (2) Epigenetics: determine how changes in chromatin modification and organization promote tumor development and can be exploited therapeutically; and (3) Computational Genomics and Genetics: develop and implement multiscale, genome-wide strategies to identify aberrations that drive cancer development and treatment response. Members continue to provide pivotal insights into how DNA repair is essential for the maintenance of genome stability and, guided by the Community Outreach and Engagement Office, work at the forefront of research relevant to the Catchment Area, including breast and liver cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, and glioblastoma. The HICCC has provided over $12M in support for CGE Program recruitments, pilot funding, and resources for: P01CA174653, which contributes to Aim 1; growth through recruitment to epigenetics research in Aim 2 (Juan Manuel Schvartzman, MD, PhD, Carla Concepcion, PhD, Aaron Viny, MD, Yvon Woappi, PhD); and new recruitments and computational initiatives in Aim 3 (Mohammed AlQuraishi, PhD). Members contribute to Shared Resource management and participate in training at all levels, including leading a new T32 (T32CA265828) in genome and epigenome integrity. The CGE Program’s computational/mathematical genomics research impacts the spectrum of HICCC basic, translational, clinical, and population science. Over the next project period, the CGE Program will continue to leverage its unique combined strengths to integrate genomics data initiatives with basic and clinical research, apply large-scale protein structure prediction analyses to bridge basic and clinical research, and accelerate translation of new discoveries to innovative clinical trials.