Unraveling the Genomics of Precancer
At the Precancer Genomics Lab, our mission is to fundamentally understand the genomic changes that occur in the earliest, precancerous stages of disease.
By deciphering these intricate molecular events, we aim to pave the way for more effective early detection strategies, personalized risk assessments, and ultimately, the development of interventions that can prevent cancer from ever taking hold.
Our research focuses on three key areas:
Decoding Individual Cancer Risk: Identifying Early Genomic Biomarkers
We are dedicated to identifying the very first genomic alterations – changes in DNA sequence, gene expression, or epigenetic modifications – that indicate an increased risk of developing cancer. Our research in this area involves:
- Large-scale genomic profiling studies: Analyzing the genomes of individuals with a higher predisposition to certain cancers to pinpoint inherited genetic variants and early somatic mutations.
- Longitudinal studies of at-risk populations: Tracking genomic changes over time in individuals with precancerous lesions or a strong family history of cancer to identify early predictive markers.
- Developing novel computational tools: Employing advanced bioinformatics and machine learning approaches to analyze complex genomic datasets and distinguish early cancer-associated signatures from normal variations.
The goal of this research is to develop extremely sensitive and specific biomarkers that can identify individuals at increased risk long before cancer develops, enabling proactive monitoring and preventative measures.
The Environment's Fingerprint on Precancer: Understanding Gene-Environment Interactions
We recognize that cancer development is not solely determined by our genes but is also influenced by the environment we live in. Our research in this area focuses on understanding how environmental exposures interact with our genome to drive or inhibit the progression of precancerous states. This includes:
- Investigating the impact of carcinogens: Studying how exposure to environmental toxins and carcinogens leads to specific genomic alterations in precancerous cells.
- Analyzing the role of lifestyle factors: Examining the influence of diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices on the genomic landscape of precancerous tissues.
- Exploring epigenetic modifications: Investigating how environmental factors can alter gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence, contributing to precancer development.
By understanding these complex interactions, we hope to identify modifiable environmental factors and develop targeted interventions to mitigate their impact on cancer risk.
Targeting Precancer: Developing Tomorrow's Preventative Therapies
A central focus of our lab is to translate our understanding of precancer genomics into tangible strategies for cancer prevention. This involves:
- Identifying key molecular vulnerabilities in precancerous cells: Pinpointing specific genomic alterations or pathways that are essential for the survival and progression of precancerous lesions.
- Developing and testing novel therapeutic targets: Investigating whether these vulnerabilities can be targeted with new or repurposed drugs or other therapeutic modalities to halt or reverse precancer progression.
- Exploring personalized prevention strategies: Utilizing an individual's unique genomic profile to tailor preventative interventions and maximize their effectiveness.
Our ultimate goal is to develop evidence-based preventative therapies that can significantly reduce the incidence of cancer and improve public health.