Although cancer is driven by accumulation of genetic abnormalities over time, including mutations in oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes, it is becoming increasingly clear that cancer is also driven by ‘epigenetic changes’, i.e. alterations of gene expression that are mediated by mechanisms that do not affect the primary DNA sequence. These involve chromatin remodeling by both losses and gains of DNA methylation, as well as altered patterns of histone modifications. The Translational Oncology Research Center focuses on the molecular mechanism of cancer initiation and progression tackling questions relating to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, supported by world-class core scientific facilities.

Research Interests: Understanding the molecular basis of cancer and the development of novel therapies and treatments

The Cancer Center is interested in understanding the molecular basis of cancer initiation and progression with a focus on breast cancer.