Monday, June 30, 2025 6/30/2025

Research Specialist Support-Targeting DNA Methylation and the Cancer Epigenome

Award Number: R50CA243878
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/20/2019
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2024

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Research Specialist Support-Targeting DNA Methylation and the Cancer Epigenome - PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT Dr. Minmin Liu and the Unit Director, Dr. Peter A. Jones, have worked closely since 2012 and have generated a significant number of high-quality publications that have had a major impact on the field of cancer epigenetics. Dr. Liu made the discovery that in cancer cells, treatment with vitamin C or G9Ai (G9A lysine methyltransferase inhibitor) synergistically enhances the effects of 5-aza-CdR, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi). The underlying mechanism is through increased expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and activation of an anti-viral interferon response, which inhibits cancer cell growth and causes apoptosis. These findings sparked her interest in further exploring the roles of repetitive elements (including ERVs) in cancer immune signaling and in understanding the molecular mechanisms of their expression in cancer cells. Because her studies suggest that ERVs are important targets of epigenetic therapy, further research in this area is likely to advance the development of targeted therapies that have improved efficacy in cancer treatment. The objective of this proposal is to support Dr. Liu's career development as a research specialist in making significant contributions to Dr. Jones' established research program, which is funded by NCI. Dr. Liu is currently addressing the following questions. 1) Why are there so many mutations in chromatin modifiers, and what are the effects of these mutations on the structure of the epigenome? 2) What double-stranded RNAs (such as ERVs) are activated by 5-aza-CdR and how do these relate to cellular responses? 3) Can we design combinations of epigenetic drugs that might increase the effectiveness of 5-azanucleoside treatment? The aims for her future studies are to define the roles of ERVs in cancer immune signaling and to identify regulators for their expression. These projects will provide new insights for our understanding of the epigenome holistically and will lead toward novel strategies that increase patient response to epigenetic therapies. This award will enable Dr. Liu to have the freedom and security to advance her research in cancer epigenetics and to support the research program of the Jones group.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2025	2023	VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE	333 BOSTWICK AVE NE	GRAND RAPIDS	MI	49503	KENT	USA	Cancer Cause and Prevention Research	000	5	3/18/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $166,080 )
2024	2024	VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE	333 BOSTWICK AVE NE	GRAND RAPIDS	MI	49503	KENT	USA	Cancer Cause and Prevention Research	000	6	7/22/2024	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$166,080
														Subtotal = $166,080

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $87,121 )
2023	2023	VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE	333 BOSTWICK AVE NE	GRAND RAPIDS	MI	49503	KENT	USA	Cancer Cause and Prevention Research	001	5	8/23/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$87,121
2023	2022	VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE	333 BOSTWICK AVE NE	GRAND RAPIDS	MI	49503	KENT	USA	Cancer Cause and Prevention Research	000	4	12/19/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $87,121

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $87,121 )
2022	2022	VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE	333 BOSTWICK AVE NE	GRAND RAPIDS	MI	49503	KENT	USA	Cancer Cause and Prevention Research	000	4	8/24/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$87,121
														Subtotal = $87,121

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $87,121 )
2021	2021	VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE	333 BOSTWICK AVE NE	GRAND RAPIDS	MI	49503	KENT	USA	Cancer Cause and Prevention Research	000	3	8/31/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$87,121
														Subtotal = $87,121

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $87,121 )
2020	2020	VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE	333 BOSTWICK AVE NE	GRAND RAPIDS	MI	49503	KENT	USA	Cancer Cause and Prevention Research	000	2	8/25/2020	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$87,121
														Subtotal = $87,121

Issue Date FY: 2019 ( Subtotal = $87,121 )
2019	2019	VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE	333 BOSTWICK AVE NE	GRAND RAPIDS	MI	49503	KENT	USA	Cancer Cause and Prevention Research	000	1	9/20/2019	NEW	$87,121
														Subtotal = $87,121

Grand Total All Awards = $601,685

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Research Specialist Support-Targeting DNA Methylation and the Cancer Epigenome

Award Number: R50CA243878

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/20/2019

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2024

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