Program 3: Cancer BiologyProgram (CBP)

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Project Summary / Abstract: Cancer Biology Program (CBP) The goal of the Cancer Biology Program (CBP) is to identify etiologic mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression. As the main basic science of cancer platform for the University of Arizona Cancer Center, the Cancer Biology Program seeks to advance fundamental knowledge of the complex biological networks that are deranged in cancer and to characterize interactions between these complex biological networks and the environment that promote carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Translation of current findings and development of novel approaches to cancer prevention and treatment is facilitated through inter-programmatic collaborations and Cancer Center support. The program is organized into three major themes, including Genomic Instability and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Signaling Networks in Carcinogenesis and Tumor Progression, and Invasion and Metastasis, with four aims: (i) to investigate mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression and to characterize cellular mechanisms that control cancer metastasis, (ii) to identify networks and regulatory pathways as potential markers or targets in prevention and treatment, (iii) to promote intra- and inter-programmatic collaborations to enhance translational research along the continuum from pre-clinical mouse models and human tissue correlates to clinical trials, and (iv) to foster research directions of particular relevance to individuals in Arizona and the Southwest. The Cancer Biology Program achieves these aims through establishment of working groups, conferences and seminars, and development of inter-disciplinary scientific teams; faculty recruitment, membership development and mentoring, and the use of developmental funds to spur targeted research; and, guidance and support of the shared resources. The CBP has 49 Members representing 21 different departments at the University of Arizona. CBP Members have published 390 cancer-relevant manuscripts, of which 30% were intra- programmatic and 36% were inter-programmatic. As of September 1, 2015, the CBP Program secured $11.8M total annual grant dollars with $2.5M from the NCI and $8.3M in other peer-reviewed funding. The CBP has regional impact through its members' basic research into the carcinogenic mechanisms of arsenicals that are pervasive environmental carcinogens in the Southwest. Finally, the Program is invested in using modern, high throughput genomic platforms to develop, enhance, and implement precision medicine. The expanding representation of Hispanic Americans in the State's population impels increased research into cancer health disparities in this population.