91ɫƵ

Cancer Biology

The objective of the Cancer Biology (CB) Program is to improve cancer care through a better understanding of the basic biological processes that cause cancer development and progression.

Program Aims

 
As of December 2024

Discover the genetic, epigenetic, and post-transcriptional events driving cancer development and therapeutic resistance

CB Members advance the strategic priority of Precision Oncology by using state-of-the-art techniques in genomics, 3D chromatin structure, systems biology, and gene ontology to define how genetic mutations and epigenetic events drive malignancy. These studies are generating a new understanding of how normal cells transform, progress toward malignancy, and gain resistance to therapy.

Elucidate the structural and functional determinants of oncogenic proteins and advance structure-based therapeutics

Empowered by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X-ray crystallography, and the recent acquisition of cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) technologies, CB Members advance the strategic priority of Structural Biology by identifying the atomic-level structural and functional features of proteins that drive or influence tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. These studies provide novel insights into how driver proteins fold and interact with other proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids to form supramolecular complexes, opening new possibilities for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Decode the tumor microenvironment and enhance cancer immunotherapies and metabolic interventions

CB Members advance the strategic priorities of Immuno-Oncology and Cancer Metabolism by defining and understanding how metabolic and bioenergetic signatures of cells in the tumor microenvironment, including immune cells, fibroblasts, and cells in the neural-tumor axis, contribute to cancer. CB research delineates how events in the tumor microenvironment impact immune surveillance, tumor progression, and metastasis, and in collaboration with Members of the other two Research Programs, is being translated into novel therapeutic avenues to treat or control cancer.

Program Leaders

headshot

Carol L. Williams, PhD

Joan K. Van Deuren Professor in Breast Cancer Research; Professor, Pharmacology & Toxicology

headshot

Wei Liu, PhD

Joseph F. Heil, Jr. Endowed Chair of Molecular Oncogenesis Associate Professor