28 Mar KWF grant to investigate gene-gene interactions in childhood cancer
Patrick Kemmeren obtained a grant of 572 k euro from the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) to investigate cooperative and mutually exclusive genetic interactions in childhood cancer.
Multidisciplinary research
Cancers arise and progress through the acquirement of combinations of mutations. Genetic interactions are specific combinations of mutations that have unpredictable phenotypic consequences. Using a mixture of bioinformatics, computational biology and molecular biology tools, this project aims to investigate the role of genetic interactions and their contribution to childhood cancer. By developing a map of genetic interactions and analyzing these in the context of pathways, cellular organization and cancer, Kemmeren will identify which pathways and processes are important during the onset and progression of cancer and which can be exploited for therapeutic intervention.
Ultimate goal
Thorough understanding of genetic interactions will ultimately lead to a better understanding of cancer onset and progression as well as for developing precision medicine approaches.
Kemmeren is UBC executive committee member and group leader at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology.