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.