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 Cancer Epigenetics retreat.
The next Center for Cancer Epigenetics retreat will be held May 12 & 13, 2023 at the Round Top Festival Institute. To register, please send an email to Cindy Morgan with one of the following statements in the subject line:
- I will attend
- I will attend and present a poster
- I will attend and would like my abstract to be considered for short talk
Registration and abstracts are due by April 25th.
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