Program Overview

Molecular and Cellular Oncology Program

The Molecular and Cellular Oncology Program (MCO) organizes an outstanding group of researchers whose work provides insights into gene expression regulation and its deregulation in cancer, mechanisms underlying genomic integrity, the molecular structure of cancer-relevant proteins, and new signaling processes driving tumor growth.

Research Areas

Our researchers collaborate with other programs to translate their basic discoveries into better tools for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We develop these novel technologies and approaches:

• Advanced crystallographic, electron microscopy, and NMR studies of protein structure
• Cutting-edge metabolomics approaches to uncover weaknesses in cancer cells that can be exploited to therapeutic advantage
• Single-cell analyses to understand heterogeneity in normal tissues and tumors
• Synthetic lethal screens to identify pathways conferring resistance to targeted therapies
• New phospho-proteomics approaches to elucidate oncogenic protein kinase signaling pathways
• Identification of metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer stem cell populations

Scientific Goals

Research in the MCO program is directed toward elucidating fundamental biological processes in cancer biology and translating these basic discoveries into better tools for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through collaborative research with other CU Cancer Center programs and other cancer centers.

Research Themes

Maintenance of Genomic Integrity

Investigators work on genomic rearrangements and retro-transposition; DNA replication, repair, and DNA damage checkpoints; and mutagenesis and response to ionizing irradiation.

Telomere Structure and Function

Across three campuses (Anschutz Medical Campus, CU Boulder, and CSU Fort Collins), investigators lead research programs to understand telomere dynamics and regulation; their critical roles in cell division and genome integrity; and their dysregulation during spaceflight, aging, and disease.

Gene Expression and Biomarkers

Investigators work on the specification of cell fates; nuclear acceptors of signaling and environmental pathways; fundamental mechanisms of transcriptional regulation; the interplay between transcription and RNA processing; mis-regulation of translation; cancer survival pathways; and identification of cancer biomarkers that result from altered gene expression, including cell-free DNA biomarkers.

Structural Biology of Cancer Drivers

Investigators delineate the molecular structure of RNA & DNA-binding proteins involved in chromatin and oncogenes/tumor suppressors and signaling molecules using biophysical techniques, cryo-EM, NMR, and X-ray crystallography.

Pediatric Cancers

MCO members focus on high-risk pediatric sarcomas, blood cancers, and brain tumors. Several MCO members are part of a highly collaborative pediatric brain tumor community that also spans DT and THI.

Blood Cancers

MCO members study adult and pediatric pre-cancer malignancies and blood cancers, including AML. Research projects span studies of molecular mechanisms to development of innovative clinical trials.

Programmatic Goals

• Promote career development for junior members and trainees
• Ensure engagement, access, and success for all members
• Stimulate inter- and intra-program collaborations
• Facilitate access to new technologies and resources
• Create forums for scientific exchange and discussion
• Discover basic cancer processes that can be collaboratively translated to the clinic
• Generate improved understanding and treatment of cancer types relevant to Colorado populations

MCO Program Activity Highlights

• Engagement, Access, and Success
• Catchment Relevance
• Facilitating Collaborations
• Resources

Leadership

Patricia Ernst, PhD

Program Co-Leader

Patricia Ernst, PhD, is the Co-Leader for the Molecular and Cellular Oncology (MCO) Program. She is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Heme/Onc/BMT section. Her research program focuses on childhood leukemia, normal hematopoiesis, and epigenetic factors regulating these processes.

Tin Tin Su, PhD

Program Co-Leader

Tin Tin Su, PhD, is the Co-Leader for Molecular and Cellular Oncology (MCO) Program. She is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She is an experienced investigator in the field of radiation biology of Drosophila and human cancer models.

Funding Opportunities

• Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies
• Informatics Technology for Cancer Research
• Human Cancer Models Initiative
• Patient-Derived Models Repository
• NCI Mouse Repository
• Oncology Models Forum Webinar Series

Resources

• Colorado Biobank Portal
• Articles that explain the need to consider genetic ancestry and sex
• Papers that address the genetic background of common cell line models
• Online resources with ancestry/sex information for biologics