Molecular Genetics Program
The Molecular Genetics Program conducts fundamental research on the etiology, progression, prevention, detection and treatment of cancer, with the goal of using the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center to translate these fundamental discoveries to the USC/Norris' patients and population resources.
This group focuses on DNA damage, chromosomal translocation sites, chromosomal fragile sites, DNA repair mechanisms and proteins, DNA replication mechanisms and proteins, familial cancer gene identification and mammalian cancer models. It consists of 24 faculty members of the University of Southern California from 10 academic departments in three schools, and represents both the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.
For purposes of developing program projects and other grants, the Molecular Genetics Program is sub-divided into three focus groups: DNA repair, DNA replication and cancer genetic models. Many major cancer research discoveries have been made in recent years or via projects currently underway:
- New DNA repair proteins have been identified, and these are being explored as possible chemotherapy drug targets.
- A triplex DNA structure was found to be the basis for the most common chromosomal translocation in human cancer.
- An entire class of DNA polymerases was defined. Collaborations within the program have shown that these polymerases participate in the major pathway of double-strand break repair.
- A program project on polymerase active sites was secured and will permit rationale design of polymerase inhibitors for cancer chemotherapy.
- Marked progress also has been made in understanding the persistence of hepatitis viruses, which are important in causing hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Other program members are collaborating to study cancer genetic models of prostate and ovarian cancers and have developed a conditional knockout mouse, widely regarded as being the best currently available for prostate cancer.
- Genetic linkage analysis of prostate cancer families is underway and is integrated into an international consortium.
Publications
