Epigenomics, RNA, and Gene Regulation (ERGR)

University Of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

EPIGENOMICS, RNA, AND GENE REGULATION (ERGR) RESEARCH PROGRAM ABSTRACT The Epigenomics, RNA, and Gene Regulation (ERGR) Research Program, led by Director Kathrin Plath, PhD, and Co-Director Hanna Mikkola, MD, PhD, is the most basic of the six UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC) Research Programs. Program objectives are to support exceptional JCCC researchers and collaborative teams to pioneer breakthroughs in gene regulation, RNA biology, genomics, epigenetics, and bioinformatics of cancer and cancer-influencing processes, and to further strengthen the Program with strategic recruitments, engage and mentor junior members, and train the next generation of cancer researchers. ERGR investigators employ a range of model systems and cancer tissues, cutting-edge omics, imaging approaches, and bioinformatics methods to elucidate mechanisms of gene regulation, from chromatin and transcription to RNA biology, to understand alterations in cancer, with an emphasis on priority cancer types in Los Angeles County (LAC), the JCCC catchment area. Building on a strong foundation in cancer genomics, epigenomics, and gene-regulatory mechanisms, ERGR strives to translate new knowledge to preclinical and clinical settings, by aiming to develop new inhibitors for cancer cells and sensitive cell-free DNA diagnostics based on Program discoveries. Many ERGR members develop computational methods and machine learning tools that benefit the cancer community broadly. ERGR also provides a hub for training activities and to share ideas, expertise, methods, and resources between ERGR labs and other JCCC Programs. The weekly Gene Regulation Journal Club and Research Meeting provides education in gene regulation mechanisms and cutting-edge technologies. The monthly Riboforum and “Blood Group” Hematology research series focuses on more specialized themes and brings labs interested in these fields together across JCCC Programs. ERGR also hosts a quarterly Cancer Genomics workshop for mining cancer databases. These interactive research and training forums frequently serve as a spin-off for collaborations within ERGR and between JCCC Programs and are expanded further by cross-disciplinary mini-retreats and special sessions on high-priority topics that link basic science to the clinic. The ERGR Program has 39 members from three UCLA schools, 13 departments, and affiliate institution Caltech. Members are highly productive with 545 cancer-relevant publications during the 2019 – 2023 project period and an impressive 54% in high-impact (IF ≥10) journals. ERGR investigators have a rich history of productive collaborations, with 23% of publications being inter-programmatic and 43% collaborative with other NCI-designated cancer centers. ERGR investigators hold $14.1M in direct cost cancer funding of which $3.3M (24%) is from the NCI. Total funding increased by 25% and NCI funding by 222% since 2019. The guiding principle of the ERGR Program is to foster the discovery of fundamental gene-regulatory processes that provide new insights into cancer initiation and progression, and thereby support the ultimate JCCC goal of defeating this dreaded disease.