Cancer Cell Genomics, Signaling and Metastasis Program

Overview

The Cancer Cell Genomics, Signaling and Metastasis Program within Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center is an engine and catalyst for basic discovery science and translation to cancer-relevant models and end points.

Previous work in the program contributed significantly to knowledge about how cells undergo cancer transformation and how this process can lead to lethality that can be exploited for intervention. Program investigators are now providing new insights into these processes to drive science and its clinical cancer applications.

The central hypothesis of the program is that alterations in the cellular genome, signaling cascades and surrounding environment act to amplify tumor growth, progression and dissemination.

Research aims

The Cancer Cell Genomics, Signaling and Metastasis Program has four research aims, with a focus on lethal cancers in the Cancer Center's catchment areas. These include tumors of the breast, lung, pancreas, liver, ovaries, prostate and brain.

Aim 1: DNA replication and repair dysregulation and genome instability in cancer. This research focuses on determining the mechanisms that regulate DNA replication, DNA repair, genome stability and cell cycle control.

Aim 2: Cancer genomics and epigenomics. The purpose of this aim is to identify and characterize genetic alterations and epigenetic changes that contribute to cancer development and progression.

Aim 3: Tumor cell metabolism and growth signaling. This aim focuses on clarifying the signaling pathways that regulate cell growth and metabolism in cancer.

Aim 4: Tumor microenvironment, invasion and metastasis. This research focuses on defining mechanisms of cancer invasion and metastasis and the contribution of the tumor microenvironment.

Leadership

Mark A. McNiven, Ph.D.

Dr. McNiven is a cancer cell biologist at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Rochester, Minnesota. He is the George M. Eisenberg Professor II of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. He is also director of the Center for Biomedical Discovery at Mayo Clinic and a principal investigator of the Mayo Clinic Hepatobiliary SPORE. Dr. McNiven's research focuses on the molecular basis by which tumor cells of the liver, lung and pancreas grow unchecked and migrate from the primary organ to invade and metastasize into other areas of the body. Dr. McNiven also studies the cellular basis by which cells of the liver can become laden with fat, leading to steatohepatitis, metabolic diseases and cancer.

Panos Z. Anastasiadis, Ph.D.

Dr. Anastasiadis is a cancer biology researcher at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Jacksonville, Florida, and a professor of cancer biology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. His research focuses on the role of cell adhesion receptors, Rho family GTPases and polarity complexes in cell adhesion, growth signaling, migration, and invasion and metastasis. Dr. Anastasiadis' translational work relates to the use of functional multi-omics in precision medicine.

Zhenkun Lou, Ph.D.

Dr. Lou is an oncology researcher at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Rochester, Minnesota, and a professor of pharmacology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Dr. Lou holds the Swanson/Schmucker Endowed Professorship. He also is chair of the Division of Oncology Research in the Department of Oncology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Dr. Lou's research focuses on molecular mechanisms governing cellular responses to DNA damage-inducing anticancer therapies.