Graduate Program in Molecular Carcinogenesis

Unique cancer biology research in a unique environment

The Graduate Program in Molecular Carcinogenesis is located at MD Anderson’s Science Park research campus. This basic research oriented campus is located in idyllic Buescher State Park in the heart of heavily forested Lost Pines region but lies only minutes from Austin, Texas “The Live Music Capital of the World”. Science Park is home to the Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis and Virginia Harris Cockrell Cancer Research Center. Its mission is to investigate the molecular biology of cancer to develop means for cancer prevention, detection and treatment. This program is provides the best of all worlds: world class research training in a natural setting minutes away from Austin, Texas.

The Molecular Carcinogenesis graduate program is a research-intensive education experience in cancer biology research. Laboratories focus on diverse aspects of cancer including Molecular Biology of Cancer; Cancer Cell Biology; Genetics and Genomics; and Epigenetics. It is one the most productive basic research programs in the GSBS. Our students have received numerous awards and prestigious fellowships and gone on to positions in academia, industry and education. The Graduate Program in Molecular Carcinogenesis is the recipient of a National Institutes of Health training grant, which along with other mechanisms of funding supports students throughout the duration of their studies. Currently, 20 graduate students and 24 faculty members are members of this unique program. Our faculty are happy share their world class research and training opportunities with prospective students, we encourage you to inquire further.

The Graduate Program in Molecular Carcinogenesis is part of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. MD Anderson consistently ranks as one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It is one of only 40 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. MD Anderson invests more than $500 million a year in research, and ranks first in the number of grants awarded and total amount of grant dollars from the National Cancer Institute. The Graduate Program in Molecular Carcinogenesis is dedicated to providing students and postdoctoral fellows with the highest quality of training in diverse areas of research that focus on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors and on developing improved strategies for cancer prevention and intervention.

Highlights

While Science Park is located in the sleepy town of Smithville, Austin is only minutes away making the best of country and city life available. In addition to a high quality of life, Science Park offers a world renowned, highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment. With nearly $30 million in research funding support and access to over 45 facility cores, a productive and successful doctoral experience is almost guaranteed.
Faculty members in the Molecular Carcinogenesis program have diverse research focus areas that include: Molecular Biology of Cancer; Genetics and Genomics; Epigenetics and Cancer; Cancer Stem Cells; Development and Cancer; Cancer Etiology; Environmental Health and Cancer.
Alexandra Espejo: I chose to attend the Molecular Carcinogenesis program largely due to the prestige of the faculty research programs here at Science Park. Additionally, Science Park is located in a natural surrounding, which provides the tranquility necessary for dedication to science, but is close to Austin. I have found that the quaint size and unique location of Science Park offers the opportunity to interact closely with faculty and postdocs enriching my training experience tremendously.
Prosurvival mechanisms, particularly those in stem cells and cancer stem cells can predispose cells to tumorigenic transformation. Dr. Dean Tang is working to uncover the unique properties of prostate cancer stem cells, specifically the cellular basis and molecular determinants of prostate cancer cell heterogeneity and to design specific therapeutics to target prostate cancer stem cells.
The MD Anderson Cancer Center ranks as one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. MD Anderson invests more than $500 million a year in research, and ranks first in the number of grants awarded and total amount of grant dollars from the National Cancer Institute. More than 6,300 trainees take part in educational programs at MD Anderson each year.
A wide variety of environmental agents, including ultraviolet (UV) and ionizing radiation and chemicals from combustion and industrial sources, can damage DNA. In addition, endogenous reactive oxygen species and diversity mechanisms of the immune system can also cause DNA damage. A number of DNA repair mechanisms have evolved to respond to this constant attack. Identifying gene variants that alone, or in combination, alter susceptibility and progression of specific cancers is crucial.
Consistently ranked one of the best cities and places to live in America, the Austin area has it all. Whether you are looking to live a relaxing life in the country or to take in great music and food in city, there is something for everyone here. The climate is mild, the people are friendly and there is always something to do.
Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in phenotypic characteristics that are not mediated by changes in DNA sequence. Epigenetic events influence the way DNA is organized or utilized in the cell nucleus, and they therefore influence all DNA mediated processes, including gene transcription, DNA replication, recombination, and repair. Emerging data now clearly link the deregulation of epigenetic processes with a variety of disease states, including cancer.
Matthew Yousefzadeh: I chose to come to Science Park for its stellar faculty, collegial work environment, and outstanding facilities and resources. The close knit and intimate campus allows for immediate access to renowned investigators, who actively take an interest in mentoring you throughout your tenure at Science Park. And lets face it, staring out the window at the beautiful park and wildlife rivals virtually any city view there is.
Cellular responses to environmental agents include apoptosis, senescence, autophagy and the induction of an inflammatory response. Each of these responses can contribute to tissue dysfunction and chronic diseases, such as cancer.