# Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics

> **NIH NIH P30** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $82,644

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics (CGE) Program of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is a
laboratory-based basic science program that seeks to better understand how altered genetic and epigenetic
components of the genome contribute to the initiation and progression of human cancers. Under the leadership
of Paula Vertino, PhD (leader) and Jin-Tang Dong, PhD (co-leader) the CGE Program includes 27 core
members drawn from 14 departments and three schools across Emory University, including the School of
Medicine, Emory College, and Rollins School of Public Health. The goals of the CGE program are to better
understand the mechanisms that govern the maintenance of genome stability and proper gene regulatory
networks, how these become corrupted in cancer cells, and how their disruption contributes to the initiation and
progression of cancer. The CGE Program seeks to promote the expanded application of genomic technologies
in the molecular classification of cancer phenotypes and outcomes. The scientific focus of the program is
organized around three inter-related and complimentary themes: (1) DNA Damage, Repair, and Cellular
Responses to Stress, (2) Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, and (3) Cancer Genetics and Genomics. Over the
last competitive cycle CGE Program members have published 256 cancer-relevant scientific articles. Of
these, 55 (21%) were intra- and 105 (41%) were inter-programmatic collaborations, and 123 (48%)
represented a collaboration with another cancer center or other academic organization. As of March 31, 2016,
CGE held $9.1 million in annual total cancer-relevant research funding, of which approximately $3 million
(33%) was awarded from the NCI. Strong scientific synergism has led to important discoveries. Key insights
into the mechanism of DNA double strand break repair, how replication stress is resolved, and radiation
mutagenesis are leading to important predictors of chemotherapy and radiation response. Landmark
investigations into the structure and function of the TET dioxygenase enzymes have revealed oxidized
methylcytosine residues to be more than a transient intermediate in the turnover of 5mC, but a distinct component
of the epigenetic `code' governing gene expression programs. Significant strides have been taken towards the
successful translation of the program's genetics/genomics efforts, including new insight into the contribution of
key `driver' gene mutations and the unique cellular vulnerabilities that such alterations unmask, an RNA-based
biomarker panel for the early detection of aggressive prostate cancer, a combined RNA-DNA test for risk
stratification in oropharyngeal carcinomas, and the implementation of a clinical genomics workflow to guide
decision making in several cancer types. Overall, the CGE Program promotes center-wide goals for
improvements in cancer outcomes across the state of Georgia by identifying of key points of cancer cell
vulnerability that can be exploited tow...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10146993
- **Project number:** 5P30CA138292-13
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Paula M. Vertino
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $82,644
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2009-04-07 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10146993

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10146993, Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics (5P30CA138292-13). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10146993. Licensed CC0.

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