# Functional Approaches to Understanding Cancer Aneuploidy: Interrogating the Effects of Chromosome 3p Deletion

> **NIH NIH K22** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2020 · $192,456

## Abstract

Project Summary
Research
Aneuploidy, the gain or loss of whole chromosomes or chromosome arms, is a near-universal feature of
cancer. However, the role of aneuploidy in tumor pathogenesis remains an unanswered question in cancer
biology. Lung squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) have a high rate of aneuploidy when compared to other
tumor types. For lung SCC, unlike lung adenocarcinoma, few targeted therapies are currently available, as
there are fewer oncogenic mutations identified in lung SCCs. However, SCCs are characterized by a distinct
profile of aneuploidy events. In particular, chromosome arm 3p is lost in almost 80% of lung SCCs, suggesting
it plays an important role in oncogenesis in this tumor type and may be a useful disease target.
The goal of this proposal is to understand the phenotypic effects of chromosome 3p deletion and whether
cancer cells with this alteration can be specifically targeted. We have previously developed a genome
engineering approach to delete chromosome arm 3p in human lung epithelial cells. Following on with this
model system, three complimentary approaches will be pursued in this proposal: (1) study of interferon
signaling up-regulated in chromosome 3p deleted cells, (2) identification of adaptive mechanisms cells use to
overcome proliferation defects induced by chromosome 3p deletion, and (3) systematic genetic screening to
identify dependencies specific to chromosome 3p deletion. By determining the effect of chromosome 3p loss in
lung cells, we will gain insights into how a patient-specific aneuploidy contributes to tumor development. These
studies may also identify novel therapeutic targets for treatment of SCCs.
Candidate Career Goals
My long-term goal is to understand the role of aneuploidy and chromosome imbalance in cancer development.
As an independent investigator, I want to build my research program on cancer cell biology and analysis of
patient data, combining experimental and computational approaches to study aneuploidy. The K22 award will
allow me to obtain additional training from computational biologists and other collaborators to perform the
proposed experiments as an independent investigator.
Environment
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has internationally recognized research programs in both basic and
translational research, including immuno-oncology and cancer genomics. In addition, as an affiliated
researcher of the Broad Institute, I will have access to genome sequencing services and high-throughput
screening services they provide. I expect to obtain a faculty position in a research institution that has similar
facilities and intellectual environment as these institutions. After obtaining a tenure-track faculty position, I will
put together an advisory committee of cancer researchers to oversee my career development.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9720378
- **Project number:** 1K22CA237733-01
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Alison M. Taylor
- **Activity code:** K22 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $192,456
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-01-01 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9720378

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9720378, Functional Approaches to Understanding Cancer Aneuploidy: Interrogating the Effects of Chromosome 3p Deletion (1K22CA237733-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9720378. Licensed CC0.

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