Molecular Oncogenesis

The development of cancer involves a complex multi-step succession of molecular events involving the acquisition of mutations in proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and other genes that control, directly or indirectly, cell division, metabolism, genome integrity, microenvironment, and cell death. These acquired cellular changes that transform normal cells to become malignant include cells’ ability to generate their mitogenic signals, resist growth-inhibitory signals, evade apoptosis, acquire vasculature, and proliferate without limits. Sequencing of the human genome coupled with advances in functional genomics and proteomics and the use of genetically engineered mice have led to a new era of discovery of the basic mechanisms altered in the complex processes underlying carcinogenesis.

The goal of the molecular oncogenesis and cancer genetics programs of the Greehey CCRI is to identify and characterize the genes, gene products, and pathways involved in pediatric cancers, recognizing that the study of pediatric cancer models has relevance to the problem of cancer in general. We anticipate that half or more of all recruits to this institute will be basic cancer researchers in cancer genetics and molecular oncogenesis.