Funding – Chromatin, Metabolism, and Radiation Resistance in Breast Cancer

Posted on April 8, 2024

Dr. Karmella Haynes is leading a new 1-year research collaboration aimed at deepening our understanding of breast cancer treatment resistance, with a specific focus on radiation resistance. Breast cancer tumors contains groups of cells that can behave differently, termed “cellular heterogeneity,” with some being resistant to radiation therapy. Epigenetic states are known to produce differences between cells that share the same DNA. Epigenetic states are influenced by cellular metabolism and chromatin reorganization, which play pivotal roles in cancer progression. However, the combined impact of metabolism and gene regulation on radiation resistance remains poorly understood. By leveraging advanced techniques such as metabolomics, single-cell expression profiling, and cell engineering, we aim to uncover the mechanisms governing these interactions. This collaboration, led by Dr. Karmella Haynes (Emory) and Dr. Melissa Kemp (GA Tech) promises not only to expand our understanding of cancer biology but also to identify potential new drug targets and treatment strategies. Developmental funds from the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University were awarded through Winship Invest$, a peer-reviewed program that provides pilot funding for novel, innovative cancer research projects.