Signaling, Genomes, and Networks

Dartmouth College, Hanover NH

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: SIGNALING, GENOMES, AND NETWORKS (SGN) The Cancer Signaling, Genomes, and Networks (SGN) Program brings together basic, translational, and clinical investigators who are aligned with one or more scientific research themes based on their focus areas: 1) Cancer Cell Biology and Biochemistry; 2) Cancer Genomics and Computational Oncology; and 3) Translational Oncology. Research in SGN is focused on discovering mechanisms underlying the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer types relevant to patients in our catchment area and nationally. SGN laboratory scientists identify pathways, molecular targets, and mechanisms of action of anti-cancer treatments, and develop innovative genetic, molecular, and computational approaches to cancer research to maximize benefits to human health, in concert with SGN clinical investigators who translate these discoveries into new treatment strategies and cutting-edge clinical trials. DCC Shared Resources provide enabling access to technologies that are essential to the success of the Program. SGN is led by Arminja Kettenbach PhD, and Konstantin Dragnev MD, who direct the basic science and clinical research aspects of the program, respectively. Our 57 members represent 11 departments across the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College of Arts and Sciences, and Dartmouth Health. Among the Members of the SGN Program, 36 are laboratory-based scientists, 19 are clinicians, and 2 are clinician-scientists. Current peer-reviewed cancer-relevant funding totals $9.0M (29% increase compared to 2019), of which $2.3M (26%) is from NCI (28% increase compared to 2019). As of 7/31/2023, SGN Members have authored 379 publications in the current award period, of which 24% are high impact. Collaborative publications include 17% intra-programmatic, 28% inter-programmatic, and 28% inter-NCI- cancer center manuscripts. SGN research resulted in new intellectual property and two new companies. SGN- led clinical research resulted in 110 investigator-initiated treatment studies enrolling 350 patients (46% of all DCC accruals), and 115 interventional trials enrolling 416 patients (6% of all DCC accruals). This activity represents an over 3-fold increase in accruals to both interventional and treatment studies from the prior funding cycle. Moving forward, the SGN Program will continue to strengthen multidisciplinary collaborations between basic, translational, and clinical researchers, prioritize mentoring junior faculty members to achieve academic independence, train junior scientists in basic, translational and clinical cancer research, and promote the partnerships of clinicians and laboratory scientists to drive the development of investigator-initiated clinical studies that reflect areas of priority identified by our community partners.