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Project: Cancer Genomics and Developmental Biology
  • Title (NL) Cancer Genomics and Developmental Biology
  • Period 09 / 2010 - unknown
  • Status Current
Abstract
bullet Abstract Cancer is currently the leading cause of death in the Netherlands. Cancer is caused by alterations in DNA resulting in perturbations in the regulatory circuits within cells. This causes a systemic effect allowing these cells to form infiltrating tumours and distant etastasis. In the last decades we have come to appreciate that many of the regulatory circuits affected in tumours play a vital role in developmental processes. The Cancer, Genomics and Developmental Biology (CGDB) programme combines the study of the molecular mechanisms of development with the study of the molecular mechanisms that underlie cancer. The programme covers all levels at which these processes are guided, from transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, to cellular communication, cell migration and tissue formation. These processes are studied in a large variety of experimental systems, from isolated cell types in culture, including stem cells and cancer cells, to experimental animal model systems, such as nematode, zebrafish and mouse. The participating groups are from the Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, the Biomedical Genetics Programme of the University Medical Center Utrecht, and the Institute of Biocomplexity and Bioinformatics of the Department of Biology of Utrecht University. Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute study a variety of biological processes, mainly concerning the developmental biology of animals. These studies encompass many areas, from basic (pre-) embryonic processes, such as the establishment of a body plan, to the specifics of organ growth in adult animals, such as the role Wnt signaling in the regeneration of the gut and the formation of colon tumours. Nematodes, zebrafish and mouse are the major model systems. The cutting edge technologies to generate knock out animals and their subsequent analysis is one of the hallmarks of the institute. Researchers in the Biomedical Genetics programme focus on the link between genes and proteins, cell functioning and the development of disease, particularly cancer. Signal transduction, checkpoint control during mitosis and gene expression are among the fundamental areas of research, which is largely performed in cell culture. This programme is affiliated to the Clinical Oncology programme with a focus on translational research. Researchers in Biocomplexity and Bioinformatics focus on developmental processes in nematodes and plants. In nematodes the control of checkpoints in mitosis and in plants the role of stem cells in root formation provide a clear link with research in the other institutes. Unique aspects of these studies are the introduction of systems biology. The strength of the CGDB programme is a multi- and interdisciplinary approach by three different institutes on a uniquely complete and coherent research programme. This has resulted in a very attractive environment for excellent master and PhD students as well as post-docs and principle investigators.
Related organisations
bullet Secretariat Afdeling Fysiologische Chemie (UU)
bullet Financier Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek - NWO (NWO)
Related people
bullet Project leader Prof.dr. J.L. Bos
Data Supplier: NWO
Update this data in the Dutch Research Database (NOD).