Genome Maintenance Research Program

PROJECT 001 – GENOME MAINTENANCE RESEARCH PROGRAM PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Members of the Genome Maintenance Research Program (GM) are basic science researchers integrated by the common goal of understanding processes affecting the integrity, expression and duplication of the genome. Research themes within GM include carcinogen metabolism, cell division cycle control, chromatin and epigenetics, DNA replication and repair, DNA damage responses and gene expression. Discovery science that elucidates basic mechanisms, cancer etiology, and opportunities for therapeutic intervention is at the heart of GM. Program leaders foster interactions among GM members and between the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) Research Programs that propel basic discoveries from the bench to clinical practice. In addition, the Program aims to support new research initiatives, build the research infrastructure necessary for discovery, mentor and educate junior members and trainees, and create a dynamic and collaborative environment that advances science faster and further than would be possible as individual laboratories. GM members also participate in two NCI-funded Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) in Gastrointestinal and Breast cancers, and several NIH training grants. GM houses the intellectual resources to support over 75 clinical trials open to accrual at VICC that use drugs that target DNA. In short, GM acts as the organizing entity for all cancer-focused DNA research at Vanderbilt. The GM members' research links to, and has impact for all, of the major cancer types within the VICC catchment area. There are 23 program members from seven departments and two schools, with $9.1M in total peer-reviewed funding and NCI making up 39% ($3.5M). Out of 332 publications, 13% are intra-programmatic and 23% are inter-programmatic. Members also have 106 collaborative publications with investigators at other NCI- designated cancer centers.