Cancer Genomics: from 3D chromatin structures to new therapeutic targets

Zoom link : https://epfl.zoom.us/j/86503566759

Abstract:
Cancer is a genetic disease that arises from the accumulation and selection of multiple genomic lesions including mutations, chromosomal rearrangements and epigenetic alterations. These lesions affect the expression and activity of multiple genes, lead to modifications of the chromatin tri-dimensional (3D) organization, and influence response to therapies. In my lab, we are interested, on one side, in elucidating the impact of cancer genomic lesions on the 3D structure of the chromatin and, on the other side, in integrating genomic analyses with functional studies to gain insights into tumor biology and develop new therapies. In my talk, I will discuss both topics. I will present recent studies where we demonstrated how epigenetic modifications and chromosomal changes influence the 3D structure of the chromatin to drive and sustain oncogenic programs. Then, I’ll present an example of a functional cancer genomic study that led to the discovery of a new therapeutic target and the design of new therapeutic compounds.

A short bio
Elisa Oricchio, PhD, is a tenure track assistant professor at EPFL in the Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Science. Her research focuses on cancer genomics and B-cell malignancies. Over the course of her career she has identified oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes as new therapeutic targets or as biomarkers to better classify cancer patients. As an independent investigator, she moved beyond the liner interpretation of the cancer genome and she has integrated cancer genomic analyses in B-cell malignancies with the study of 3D chromatin conformation. Her work has been recognized with the Blavatnik Award for Young Scientist by the New York Academy of Science and the Lorini Award for Italian Scientist in Cancer Research. Recently, she was appointed as board member of the European Association of Cancer Research (EACR), which represents the major association for cancer research in Europe.