The distinguished team at Fels is focused on many forms of cancer, including leukemias and solid tumors.

Molecular, genetic and epidemiological basis of cancer and tumor formation  
Our researchers use novel mouse models with transgene and gene knock-out technologies to study the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in a variety of cancers.  

Investigators also use cellular models based on cultured human and murine cells to study cellular transformation, disruption of cell differentiation and alterations in senescence.  

We use a wide range of state-of-the-art molecular biology and recombinant viral tools to modify gene/protein function in these systems to gain insight into the pathways and proteins responsible for transformation.  

Projects address the molecular and biochemical processes regulating normal cell cycle progression and checkpoint control, chromatin remodeling, transcription, ubiquitin signaling, protein phosphorylation and signal transduction. They also study how these events impinge on normal cell proliferation, senescence, differentiation and apoptosis. 

Basic and translational research 
Other Fels investigators research: 

• The genetic and epigenetic basis of cancer and other diseases 
• Developmental genetics and epigenetics 
• Defining the epigenomic and genomic signatures in normal, aging and cancer cells 
• Environmental effects on gene expression. 

These investigators perform translational studies in cancer including pre-clinical and clinical research in epigenetic therapy. They utilize genomic mapping techniques, massive parallel DNA sequencing, and RNA sequencing, as well as a wide range of state-of-the-art genomic, epigenomic and bioinformatics techniques.

Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer is employed to study gene regulation during normal development. State-of-the-art molecular techniques, together with RNA interference technology, manipulate gene function during development.  

Targeted therapies
Fels researchers are developing targeted therapies for attacking cancer and other debilitating diseases. They are also studying the mechanism of action of these therapeutic agents in the diverse set of cancer clones that differentiate from primary, early-stage cancers. Through collaboration with experts in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry, we work with clinical oncologists to conduct clinical trials of novel therapeutic agents developed through our work.