Center for Cancer Epigenetics
Xiaodong Cheng, Ph.D., and Mark Bedford, Ph.D.
Co-Directors
- Departments, Labs and Institutes
- Research Centers and Programs
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics
The Center for Cancer Epigenetics (CCE), is most recently co-directed by Xiaodong Cheng, Ph.D., and Mark Bedford, Ph.D., professors in Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis. The CCE was designed to bring together faculty members throughout the Texas Medical Center with research programs focused on epigenetics, the study of heritable and acquired changes that affect gene expression and cellular differentiation without DNA sequence alteration.
What is Epigenetics? Epigenetic changes are thought to be just as important as gene mutations in cancer development. The ultimate goal of the center has been to define the full spectrum of epigenetic changes that occur in cancers, to discover the molecular causes of these changes, and to translate that newly gained knowledge into the clinic in the form of novel, epigenetic-based therapies. Members of the center have included faculty from several basic research and clinical departments at MD Anderson, Baylor College of Medicine and other Texas Medical Center institutions. Information and ideas have traditionally been exchanged during bi-weekly seminars and a monthly Distinguished Lecturer Series. To see a list of CCE members with links to information about their research programs, please see the Faculty and Staff listings.
CCE Retreat, Scholars Program and Pilot Project Awards:
The Center for Cancer Epigenetics Scholar Program has historically provided one year of salary support to outstanding Ph.D. students and/or postdoctoral fellows working in the laboratories of CCE faculty members. Awards were last granted in FY 2021. Recipients of these awards give research updates during the annual Center for Cancer Epigenetics retreat.
The most recent Center for Cancer Epigenetics retreat was held Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Cooley Center. The retreat started at 8 a.m. and included platform talks, a poster session, keynote lecture and networking opportunities during coffee breaks, a poster session, lunch, and dinner. Trainees selected from submitted abstracts gave short “flash” talks.
CCE Retreat Keynote Address
Discovery of an MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor
Ho Man Chan, Ph.D.
Head of Epigenetics, Research & Development, AstraZeneca
Contact Us
Xiaodong Cheng, Ph.D.
Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd
Unit Number: Unit 1000
Houston, TX 77030
xcheng5@mdanderson.org
Mark T. Bedford, Ph.D.
Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1881 East Rd
Unit Number: Unit 1951
Houston, TX 77054
mtbedford@mdanderson.org