Pathology Presents: Epigenetic regulation of differentiation block in rhabdomyosarcoma
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Speaker
Eleanor Chen, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Pathology
University of Washington
- Faculty Sponsor
William Mahoney, PhD
- Date & Time
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April 26, 2017 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
- Location
Health Sciences Building, T-739
- Calendar
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Description
Dysregulated gene expression resulting from abnormal epigenetic alterations including histone acetylation and deacetylation has been demonstrated to play an important role in driving tumor growth and progression. Using pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) as a paradigm to elucidate the mechanism underlying differentiation arrest in solid tumors, we have used an integrated approach of genome editing, functional genomics and animal models to characterize the function of Histone Deacetylases (HDACs) and have identified HDAC3 as a major suppressor of myogenic differentiation in RMS. This seminar will offer insights into epigenetic regulation by the HDACs in modulating the differentiation status of tumor cells and potential new options in targeting the HDACs as differentiation therapy in cancer.