Program Aims
Discover the genetic, epigenetic, and post-transcriptional events driving cancer development and therapeutic resistance
CB Members advance the strategic priority of Precision Oncology by using state-of-the-art techniques in genomics, 3D chromatin structure, systems biology, and gene ontology to define how genetic mutations and epigenetic events drive malignancy. These studies are generating a new understanding of how normal cells transform, progress toward malignancy, and gain resistance to therapy.
Elucidate the structural and functional determinants of oncogenic proteins and advance structure-based therapeutics
Empowered by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X-ray crystallography, and the recent acquisition of cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) technologies, CB Members advance the strategic priority of Structural Biology by identifying the atomic-level structural and functional features of proteins that drive or influence tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. These studies provide novel insights into how driver proteins fold and interact with other proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids to form supramolecular complexes, opening new possibilities for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Decode the tumor microenvironment and enhance cancer immunotherapies and metabolic interventions
CB Members advance the strategic priorities of Immuno-Oncology and Cancer Metabolism by defining and understanding how metabolic and bioenergetic signatures of cells in the tumor microenvironment, including immune cells, fibroblasts, and cells in the neural-tumor axis, contribute to cancer. CB research delineates how events in the tumor microenvironment impact immune surveillance, tumor progression, and metastasis, and in collaboration with Members of the other two Research Programs, is being translated into novel therapeutic avenues to treat or control cancer.
MCW Cancer Researchers Identify FOXM1 Protein as a Key Driver of Myeloma Metabolism
Investigators take a closer look at the metabolic role of FOXM1 to determine the genetic and biological pathways that underlie newly diagnosed high-risk myeloma (HRMM) and relapsed/refractory myeloma (RRMM).
Researchers Gain New Insights Into Pancreatic Cancer Biology That May Lead to Life-Saving Therapies
The study is the first to reveal the cellular origin of normal pancreatic fibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts, which play an important and complex role in disease progression.
Program Leaders
Carol L. Williams, PhD
Joan K. Van Deuren Professor in Breast Cancer Research; Professor, Pharmacology & Toxicology
