Program 1: Cancer Genes and Pathways

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Research in the newly restructured Cancer Genes and Pathways (CGP) program focuses on the study of biologically significant genetic alterations and molecular pathways that underlie cancer development and immune surveillance. The primary goal of this basic science program is to better understand fundamental mechanisms of tumorigenesis and cancer immunology, thereby defining new molecular entities that can be exploited as disease biomarkers and/or innovative anti-cancer therapies. This is accomplished through three overlapping research themes centered on 1) genome organization, regulation and cancer gene expression, 2) cellular proliferation, survival and transformation, and 3) tumor immunosurveillance. Key scientific achievements over the prior funding period include advances in understanding mechanisms of damaged DNA repair and replication, identification and characterization of novel tumor-promoting genetic alterations and cancer gene networks, development of innovative animal models of cancer, and determination of pathways controlling B and T lymphocyte survival and activation. CGP membership includes 54 full and 6 associate members spanning 16 departments (10 basic science, 6 clinical) across 3 colleges. Annual CGP total funding for peer-reviewed research in the last budget year was $10.36 million ($2.00 NCI funding) and $1.99 million for non-peer-reviewed research projects. CGP members are highly collaborative having authored or co-authored 353 cancer-related peer-reviewed publications in the past 4 years, with 17% (n=59) intra-programmatic, 22% (n=77) inter-programmatic, and 32% (n=113) inter-institutional. 49 manuscripts appeared in high impact journals (Impact Factor >10). Productive intra-/inter-programmatic and multi-institutional groups are leading advances in mature B lineage tumors (myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas) and neuroendocrine tumor research, and making major contributions to other human malignancies including leukemias, breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma and liver cancers.