Center for Cancer Epigenetics
Xiaodong Cheng, Ph.D., and Mark Bedford, Ph.D.,
Co-Directors
The Center for Cancer Epigenetics (CCE), co-directed by Xiaodong Cheng, Ph.D. and Mark Bedford, Ph.D., brings together faculty members focused on epigenetics, the study of heritable and acquired changes that affect gene expression and cellular differentiation without DNA sequence alteration. CCE members meet regularly to discuss their current research in an informal setting during both CCE seminars and an annual retreat.
Epigenetic changes are now thought to be just as important as gene mutations in cancer development. The ultimate goal of the center is 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 include 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 linked to more information about their research programs, please use this "Faculty and Staff" link or use the link on the left side of this page..
CCE Scholars Program and Pilot Project Awards:
The Center for Cancer Epigenetics Scholar Program provides one year of salary support to outstanding Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows working in the laboratories of CCE faculty members. The most recent year awards were granted was FY 2021. Recipients of these awards give research updates during the annual Center for Cacner Epigenetics retreat.
2020-2021 Graduate Student Scholars:
- Fatma Yasar (Jian Hu Lab)
- Hieu Thuan Van (Margarida Santos Lab)
2020-2021 Postdoctoral Scholars:
- Liang Zhang (Han Xu Lab)
- Janani Kumar (Xiaodong Cheng Lab)
2020-2021 Pilot Project/NGS Awards:
The Center for Cancer Epigenetics also supports innovative pilot projects and Next Gen Sequencing projects focused on research that addresses important questions in epigenetics that are not currently funded by outside agencies but which have a high likelihood of obtaining extramural funding in the near future.
- Bin Wang
- Sharon Dent
- Blaine Batholomew
- Han Xu
- Francesca Cole
- David Johnson
- Taiping Chen
- Jian Hu
- Nidhi Sahni
- Margarida Santos
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
713-834-6274
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
832-750-7217
mtbedford@mdanderson.org