# Research Specialist Support-Targeting DNA Methylation and the Cancer Epigenome

> **NIH NIH R50** · VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · 2021 · $87,121

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
Dr. Minmin Liu and the Unit Director, Dr. Peter A. Jones, have worked closely since 2012 and have generated a
significant number of high-quality publications that have had a major impact on the field of cancer epigenetics.
Dr. Liu made the discovery that in cancer cells, treatment with vitamin C or G9Ai (G9A lysine methyltransferase
inhibitor) synergistically enhances the effects of 5-aza-CdR, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi). The
underlying mechanism is through increased expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and activation of an
anti-viral interferon response, which inhibits cancer cell growth and causes apoptosis. These findings sparked
her interest in further exploring the roles of repetitive elements (including ERVs) in cancer immune signaling and
in understanding the molecular mechanisms of their expression in cancer cells. Because her studies suggest
that ERVs are important targets of epigenetic therapy, further research in this area is likely to advance the
development of targeted therapies that have improved efficacy in cancer treatment.
The objective of this proposal is to support Dr. Liu's career development as a research specialist in making
significant contributions to Dr. Jones' established research program, which is funded by NCI. Dr. Liu is currently
addressing the following questions. 1) Why are there so many mutations in chromatin modifiers, and what are
the effects of these mutations on the structure of the epigenome? 2) What double-stranded RNAs (such as
ERVs) are activated by 5-aza-CdR and how do these relate to cellular responses? 3) Can we design
combinations of epigenetic drugs that might increase the effectiveness of 5-azanucleoside treatment? The aims
for her future studies are to define the roles of ERVs in cancer immune signaling and to identify regulators for
their expression. These projects will provide new insights for our understanding of the epigenome holistically and
will lead toward novel strategies that increase patient response to epigenetic therapies. This award will enable
Dr. Liu to have the freedom and security to advance her research in cancer epigenetics and to support the
research program of the Jones group.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10246953
- **Project number:** 5R50CA243878-03
- **Recipient organization:** VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Minmin Liu
- **Activity code:** R50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $87,121
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-20 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10246953

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10246953, Research Specialist Support-Targeting DNA Methylation and the Cancer Epigenome (5R50CA243878-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10246953. Licensed CC0.

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