Cancer develops through complex sets of molecular changes at the genetic and epigenetic levels. Understanding the mechanisms by which these changes affect the biological properties of cells, tissues and organisms is essential for discovery and development of biomarkers applicable to the wider range of IARC studies. Mechanistic knowledge provides a critical basis for a rational approach to cancer prevention, detection and control. Understanding mechanisms requires developing experimental studies in model systems (cultured cells, animals) as well as descriptive molecular studies using well-defined series of human specimens. The overall focus of studies in the Section is to elucidate interactions between the environment, the genome and the epigenome. The overall aim is to contribute to cancer prevention and control through a better understanding of mechanisms.
The Section comprises two Groups, Molecular Carcinogenesis (MOC) and Epigenetics (EGE), with core expertise in the analysis of mutations in cancer genes, DNA methylation, proteins, signal transduction pathways and cell biology (in particular cell cycle, apoptosis and differentiation/senescence). Most projects are on cancer pathologies in which environmental factors have a strong etiological impact. This includes (1) liver cancer (in particular through the International Liver Cancer Study); (2) cancers of the aero-digestive tract (with a focus on oesophageal and bronchial cancers); and (3) breast cancer. The Section provides teaching and training to many graduate or PhD students and Postdoctoral fellows.
