Research Programs

Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor ME

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY RESEARCH PROGRAM The overarching goal of The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center (JAXCC) Research Program, “Genetics and Genomics of Aging and Cancer”, is to advance cancer medicine through basic research discoveries with potential for preventive and therapeutic impact for patients. Our Research Program is focused on uncovering the underlying genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional mechanisms that drive aging-associated cellular dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and immune dysfunction, and their profound contributions to cancer. By delving into these fundamental processes, we strive to gain insights into cancer development, dissemination, and treatment resistance to develop age-tailored interventions. Our Program has been focused on exploring the genomic complexity of cancer and how the tumor and the host interact. Building on our success, we are now extending these studies to include the dimension of time by incorporating aspects of aging pathobiology. Our research is organized around three complementary and interrelated Specific Aims. Aim 1 seeks to uncover cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms contributing to tumor progression and treatment resistance and how aging impacts them. Aim 2 seeks to dissect the complexity of immune and stromal components of the tumor microenvironment and their associations with genetics and aging. Aim 3 seeks to decipher and modulate aging-associated pathology at the organismal level to prevent tumor progression and treatment resistance. All three Aims draw on the JAXCC’s longstanding strengths in the genetics, development, and analysis of organismal, cellular, and computational models, with a focus on how aging and genetic background contribute to the physiology of cancer. The 59 JAXCC members include 37 full Program members and 22 Affiliate members. The Program is supported by $9.99M in annual direct costs from NCI and other peer-reviewed cancer-related grants. Over four years of the current grant cycle, JAXCC Program members published 377 cancer-relevant research articles: 45% were in journals with impact factor >10, 27% have JAXCC co-authors, and 60% have external co-authors, of which 41% include authors from other NCI-designated Cancer Centers. The CCSG has enabled the development of key platforms impactful for our members’ research, including single cell biology, spatial biology, and tumor-host interactions. The has CCSG supported aging and cancer research trainees through a new Brooks Scholars program and a series of workshops and think tanks in collaboration with other Cancer Centers. The JAXCC will work closely with the JAX Center for Aging Research, which includes the NIA-funded Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging and the Interventions Testing Program, to enable our members to leverage aging expertise and aged genetically heterogeneous animal models. The efforts of the Co-Program Leaders and JAXCC Senior Leadership have fostered interactivity among members and engaged their participation in planning for resource development and faculty recruitment through monthly Research Program meetings, collaborative projects, subsidized intercampus travel, and the JAXCC Annual Retreat.