Introduction:

 
The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) at Marshall University is entitled “Transcription Factors in Cancer”. Initial funding was received in Sept. of 2004. There are four projects and three cores. Each research project involves study of a particular transcription factor. In addition there is an emphasis on the ability of retinoic acid to alter the cancer cell phenotype. The COBRE at Marshall University is the foundation for our Cancer Research Center, the basic science component of our Edwards Cancer Center situation on the campus of Cabell Huntington Hospital.

Cancer Research Center members, including all COBRE project investigators and core components have recently moved into the new Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center on the campus of Marshall University. This building is connected to the Science building by an enclosed skywalk, which facilitates our interaction with members of the College of Science.

Our COBRE has strong core components in Genomics  and Imaging . The Cancer Research Center (including COBRE and non-COBRE members) has an emphasis in the areas of melanoma, reproductive/endocrine cancers, and the role of nutrition in cancer. We are also developing strengths in epigenetics and oxidant stress related to cancer.

As you will see by surfing the COBRE web pages, we have a highly interactive COBRE, with weekly Cancer Biology workshops and a formal Cancer Biology seminar series. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other COBREs, particularly those who also have a cancer focus.