Theisen Lab
The Theisen Lab aims to increase the clinical impact of epigenetic targeted therapies for children with cancer.
Like cancer in general, childhood cancers are characterized by altered patterns of gene expression that promote tumor formation. However, unlike many adult cancers, childhood cancers frequently have a quiet mutational landscape. Instead, the expression of genes that drive these cancers is the result of dysregulation in the epigenome. Unlike genetic mutations, this epigenetic dysregulation is therapeutically targetable. While epigenetic targeted therapies hold great promise for treating kids with cancer, this potential is not yet realized. Several advances must be made for epigenetic therapies to make a difference for pediatric cancer patients, addressing both our understanding of the role epigenetic regulation plays in pediatric cancer and finding the right strategies to translate this knowledge from bench to bedside.
The Theisen Lab currently focuses on LSD1-containing complexes in pediatric solid tumors. We are interested in the contextual determinants of LSD1 function and developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting LSD1. Our group uses an integrative approach with biochemical, structural, pharmacological, genomic, proteomic, and molecular biology techniques, in both in vitro and in vivo models of disease.
Positions are currently available for graduate students and post doctoral scientists. Please contact Dr. Theisen with inquiries.
