CANCER GENETICS
The Center for Translational Cancer Research
Cancer cell transformation occurs as a consequence of damage to
DNA that changes its code. These changes in DNA may be due to environmental
agents, introduced by viruses, inherited, or a combination of these
occurrences. CTCR researchers are using state-of-the-art technology
to pioneer new gene-based treatment methods. Some individuals are
predisposed to certain forms of cancer because they inherited these
cancer risk genes from their parents. The High Risk Family Cancer
Registry in Delaware was created to find new cancer risk genes to
foster early cancer detection. A recently funded project allows University
of Delaware students to participate in the collection, collation
and interpretation of high risk family data with the aim of developing
new tests for cancer risk. Other lab-based collaborative projects
seek directly to repair damaged genes by guiding the natural DNA
repair machinery inside of cells. Small DNA molecules themselves
are being used to stop cancer cell growth and cause cancer cell death
without harming normal cells. Small RNA molecules (micro RNAs) and
silencing RNAs (siRNAs) are being used to turn off specific cancer
causing genes. Additionally, pathways that turn cancer genes on and
off are being targeted by small molecules designed by CTCR affiliated
chemists or provided by biotech and pharmaceutical collaborators.
We are...
- Researchers
- Educators | More
- Clinicians
- Students
- Post-doctoral Fellows
- Technicians
- United to bring the latest in cancer research and biotechnology to Delaware.
