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Cancer Cell Biology

The goal of the Cancer Cell Biology Program is to

  • foster integrated research that spans key themes of modern cell biology, especially as they relate to cancer etiology, prevention and therapy,
  • enhance the capabilities of members through establishment or expansion of appropriate core facilities, and
  • promote interactions with other UNC LCCC basic, clinical and population science programs.

Program research is organized around

  • growth factor/receptor action
  • cell signaling
  • cell cycle regulation
  • chromatin biochemistry/transcriptional regulation
  • angiogenesis/vascular biology, and
  • cell microstructure/function.

Program highlights include the short-order discovery by Dr. Yi Zhang (winner of the 2003 AACR Gertrude B. Elion Award for Cancer Research) of most of the known histone methyltransferase enzymes and their roles in fundamental biological processes, as well as translational work by Drs. Al Baldwin, Jim Cusack and others demonstrating the potential value of NF-kB activation combined with traditional chemotherapy regimen.

The Program adds value to the Center by fostering interactions among a large group of cell biologists with overlapping, cancer-relevant interests that span numerous UNC departments.

Future plans for the Program include selective recruitment in new areas, and increased emphasis on translational studies and intra- and interprogrammatic interactions.

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