Resources
The Longwood Medical Area (LMA) is one of the most densely concentrated biomedical research communities in the nation that includes the Harvard Medical School and Harvard-affiliated hospitals and research institutes. The majority of cancer immunology faculty who participate in this program work in this unique and highly collaborative research environment. A few of our faculty work at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard University, and frequent shuttle services connect the Longwood Medical Area to these campuses.
Schedule for shuttles to Massachusetts General Hospital
Schedule for shuttles to Harvard University
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) is the home of this training program. DFCI has been a center for basic and clinical research training and the development of advanced diagnostic and treatment methods for adult and childhood cancers since 1947. DFCI provides a unique training environment for over 500 investigators and clinicians and ~600 fellows and students, who are engaged in basic, translational and clinical research. (Visit Webpage)
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) is one of 20 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the U.S. specializing in both basic and clinical aspects of cancer-related research. Funded by the National Cancer Institute in 2001, DF/HCC represents a coordinated research program among DFCI, Harvard Medical School (HMS), Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Brigham & Women’s Hospital (BWH), Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) and the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). The DF/HCC supports a set of core resources (see below), which are available to faculty and trainees. Today, more than 1,100 DF/HCC cancer researchers are working together in innovative basic, translational, clinical and population-based research programs. Our members receive >$600 million in cancer research funding. Shared facilities and centralized core laboratories provide access to cutting edge technologies. As one of the largest cancer research enterprises in the world, DF/HCC is committed to maximizing the impact of its research for cancer patients. (Visit Webpage)
Important Resources for our Trainees and Faculty:
Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT is an international leader in genetics and genomics and has developed technology platforms that are used by many trainees and members of our faculty. Several members of our TG faculty are associate members at the Broad Institute, including Garraway, Haining, Hacohen, Novina, Quintana and Wu. Particularly relevant are the platforms for RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 based systematic screens, single-cell RNA-seq and genome sequencing. For example, the cancer genome sequencing capabilities of the Broad Institute have been critical in the development of the phase 1 clinical trial of the neoepitope vaccine performed by Dr. Wu. (Visit Webpage)
Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering uses engineering principles for the development of highly innovative therapeutics. It has 16 core faculty members who are leaders in biomaterials, chemistry, bioengineering and synthetic biology. Dr. Mooney is a member of the Wyss Institute and his scaffold vaccine approach was jointly developed by the Wyss Institute and DFCI for an ongoing phase I clinical trial at DFCI. (Visit Webpage)
Research Facilities of Particular Relevance for Cancer Immunology
Mass Cytometry Facility
In May 2013, Drs. Wucherpfennig (DFCI) and Benoist (HMS) established a shared mass cytometry facility as a consortium of six institutions (DFCI, HMS, BWH, BIDMC, Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Ragon Institute). The consortium purchased a CyTOF2 mass cytometer and supported salaries for an operator and a computational biologist for a two-year period. Cell-bound antibodies are detected based on linked heavy atoms in a mass spectrometer with high resolution, enabling simultaneous analysis of >30 antibodies within complex populations of cells. We recently acquired a second CyTOF2 instrument to meet the growing need. We have acquired significant expertise with this technology which is widely utilized by basic and clinical cancer immunologists.
Flow Cytometry Facility
DFCI has an advanced flow cytometry facility; smaller facilities are also located at the other institutions. The facilities provides sterile sorting and analysis of cells, along with expert training, troubleshooting and experiment planning. The DFCI core has four high-speed sorters: a six-laser BD FACSAria II SORP placed in a biocontainment hood, a five laser BD FACSAria II SORP, a four laser BD FACSAria II SORP and a three laser BD FACSAria IIu. Each sorter is equipped with an Automated Cell Deposition Unit (ACDU) for sterile single cell sorting into 96 or 384 well microtiter plates. The facility also has five analyzers: two BD LSR Fortessa instruments equipped with 4 lasers, a BD FACS Canto II with 3 lasers, a BD FACS Canto II HTS with 3 lasers and a BD LSR II with 3 lasers. Facility staff are available to support researchers with all of their sorting and analysis needs. Assistance is available for experimental design, data acquisition, analysis and troubleshooting.
Microscopy Core Facilities (DFCI, HMS)
There are two major microscopy core facilities, located at DFCI and HMS. The DFCI Confocal and Light Microscopy Core provides state-of-the-art imaging microscopy technology for fixed and live cells and tissues along with scientific and technical expertise to assist in experimental design and optimal image collection. Imaging techniques available through the core are standard fluorescence, long term live cell imaging, confocal, TIRF, FRET, calcium flux and spectral imaging. Available equipment includes a spinning disk confocal microscope equipped with a TIRF arm and capability for rapid calcium flux imaging, a Leica SP5 laser scanning confocal with a white light laser for spectral imaging, and an inverted widefield fluorescence microscope for long-term live cell imaging. The HMS facility also has an N-STORM super-resolution microscope. Training on all equipment, consultation about various imaging techniques, and assistance with image analysis are also available.
Transgenic and Knockout Core Facility (BWH and MGH)
The core was established in 1992 by Dr. Arlene Sharpe and provides gene targeting and microinjection services using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. The core has extensive experience in generating transgenic mice using DNA constructs (including BAC DNAs) and lentiviral constructs. It also has a long track record of success in generating knockout and knockin mice by performing gene targeting. More recently, the core has established the capability to rapidly generate knockout and knockin mice by microinjection of Cas9 and gRNAs into fertilized oocytes. Oligonucleotides or other DNA templates can also be microinjected for homology directed repair to introduce point mutations, loxP sites, epitope tags or reporter genes. This facility is used by the entire Harvard community.
Monoclonal Antibody Core (DFCI)
The monoclonal antibody core produces novel monoclonal antibodies for use in basic and translational research. Researchers can choose to have all phases of antibody production conducted by the core or perform particular steps in their own lab. Services include expression of immunization antigens, immunization of mice, rats and hamsters, fusion and selection of hybridoma clones, isotyping and large-scale antibody production.
Molecular Biology Core Facility (DFCI)
This facility offers a full suite of molecular biology services, including next generation DNA sequencing (Illumina MiSeq, Illumina NextSeq 500), gene expression analysis (Nanostring nCounter), protein interaction analysis (BIAcore 3000 SPR), proteomics (AB SCIEX 4800 MALDI-TOF/TOF, Thermo LTQ-Orbitrap LC-MS, Voyager DE-STR MALDI-TOF) and BIAcore protein-ligand interaction analysis.
RNA Interference Screening Facility (DFCI, Broad Institute)
The RNAi Screening Facility provides investigators with access to RNAi reagents and high-throughput screening technology. Lentiviral-based RNAi constructs against the human and mouse genomes are provided by the RNAi Consortium of the Broad Institute, and can be used to transduce a wide range of target cells, including primary and non-dividing cells. The facility provides reagents, equipment, and technical expertise to design, optimize, and perform cell-based, arrayed lentiviral RNAi screens. Additionally, lentiviral RNAi constructs against individual genes can be requested.
Clinical Cell Manipulation Core Facility (DFCI)
The Connell O’Reilly Cell Manipulation Core Facility assists investigators in developing new cell-based cancer immunotherapies, and supports clinical research studies designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these novel treatments. All cell manufacturing procedures are performed in environmentally controlled conditions according to current Good Manufacturing Practices for cell and tissue processing. Services include the processing of hematopoietic stem cells for autologous or allogeneic transplantation, generation of tumor vaccines including genetic modification of tumor cells, and preparation of immune cell populations for adoptive cellular therapy for phase I and II clinical trials.
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Special Cores
DF/HCC has created a number of specialized core facilities that enable our trainees to work at the interface of the basic and clinical sciences. These cores are located at various sites in the DF/HCC campus. This decentralized distribution makes maximum use of available talent at the various institutions of DF/HCC and also encourages cross campus interactions. The special cores are as follows:
Here are a list of Cores and the Director of each core:
Cancer Proteomics
Towia Libermann, PhD
DNA Resource
Wade Harper, PhD
Collaborative RNAi
Stephanie Mohr, PhD
Cancer Pharmacology
Jeffrey Supko, PhD
Tumor Imaging Metrics
Gordon Harris, PhD
Research Pharmacy
Sylvia Bartel, RPh, MPH
Community Practice
Larissa Nekhlyudov, MD, MPH
Health Communication
Vish Viswanath, PhD
Survey and Data Management
Wendy London, PhD
High-throughput Polymorphism Detection
Immaculata De Vivo, MPH, PhD
Pathology Specimen Locator
Frank Kuo, MD, PhD
Rodent Histopathology
Peter Howley, MD, MMS
Specialized Histopathology Services
Jon Aster, MD, PhD
Tissue Microarray and Imaging
Sabina Signoretti, MD
Biostatistics
Paul Catalano, ScD
Research Centers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The Lurie Family Imaging Center (LFIC) is run by Dr. Quang-Dé Nguyen offers expertise in developing techniques for in vivo molecular characterization of tumors by visualizing molecular characteristics. The Lurie Family Imaging Center (LFIC) has a 14,000 square feet preclinical experimental therapeutic facility that features advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and optical imaging scanners as well as a radiochemistry laboratory. The facility enables investigators to incorporate advanced bio-imaging endpoints into their preclinical studies to study in vivo cancer biology, drug efficacy, and to develop pharmacodynamic biomarker strategies.
The Center for Cancer Computational Biology (CCCB) is run by Dr. John Quackenbush provides broad-based support for the analysis and interpretation of large data set including bioinformatics support for a range of applications, and sRNASeq, miRNASeq, ChIPSeq, ExomeSeq, and targeted resequencing services. The CCCB has also developed several tools for genomic data analysis available for use by DF/HCC researchers. These includes MeV (Multiple Experiment Viewer), a Java tool for genomic data analysis. MeV supports many data input formats, and provides an intuitive graphical interface for clustering, classification, statistical analysis and theme discovery. The Game On breast cancer genome-wide association (GWAS) database is based on a meta-analysis of 12 breast cancer GWAS, including a total of 16,003 cases and 41,335 controls. The Gene Signature DataBase is a searchable database of fully traceable, standardized, annotated gene signatures, which have been manually curated from publications that are indexed in PubMed.
Blais Proteomics Center is run by Dr. Jarrod Marto and develops and applies state-of-the-art proteomics, informatics, and related technologies for direct interrogation of protein expression, modification, and function in response to biological perturbation in cell-based models of human cancer and primary tissues.
The Center for Cancer Genome Discovery (CCGD) is run by Drs. Matthew Meyerson and William Hahn and supports basic genome discovery with the goal of identifying new targets for the treatment of cancer. The resources include multiple aspects of translational genomics including SNP genotyping, OncoMap, Quantitative Gene Expression, Copy Number Analysis, Next Generation Sequencing, Microarray, and Bioinformatic Analysis.
The Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics (CFCE) is run by Drs. Shirley Liu and Myles Brown and explores the key role that epigenetic alterations and abnormal transcriptional regulation play in the development and progression of cancer. CFCE collaborates with multiple investigators across basic and clinical research to develop and execute innovative research involving epigenetics experiments and analyses. CFCE employs technologies such as Chromatin Immunoprecipitation followed by next-generation-sequencing (ChIP-seq), DNase hypersensitivity mapping, gene expression profiling (RNA-Seq) and DNA methylation mapping. It combines these technologies with very strong computational biology expertise to explore the role of epigenetic changes and transcriptional regulation in disease pathogenesis and treatment.
The Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB) is run by Drs. Marc Vidal and David Hill and provides expertise in Network Biology, Analysis of Protein-Protein Interactions, and Analysis of Novel Protein Isoforms.
Center for DNA Damage and Repair (CDDR) is run by Dr. Alan D’Andrea and explores the various DNA repair defects in human cancers which underlie genomic instability. A better understanding of these DNA repair defects will lead to improved diagnostic methods for predicting the best course of therapy for a given cancer patient.
Chemical Biology Program is directed by Dr. Nathanael Gray and includes the laboratories of Drs. James Bradner, Loren Walensky and Sara Buhrlage. The center provides molecular solutions to problems posed by cancer, fostering basic biological discoveries and the translation of these discoveries into new drugs for cancer patients. This program also encompasses a medicinal chemistry laboratory with professional staff that has extensive industry experience.
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Center for Molecular Oncologic Pathology (CMOP) is directed by Dr. Massimo Loda and advances molecular pathology-based cancer research. CMOP addresses significant scientific and clinical research needs, and has created a central hub where researchers can interact, collaborate, and utilize novel molecular pathology technologies to translate basic science discoveries into patient care applications.
Library Facilities
All trainees and faculty enjoy full privileges at Harvard Medical School's Countway Medical Library, which provides both electronic and hard copy access to a broad and deep selection of books and medical journals. For quicker access to more common and current journals, most of the individual Departments have their own small libraries.
Schedule for shuttles to Massachusetts General Hospital
Schedule for shuttles to Harvard University
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) is the home of this training program. DFCI has been a center for basic and clinical research training and the development of advanced diagnostic and treatment methods for adult and childhood cancers since 1947. DFCI provides a unique training environment for over 500 investigators and clinicians and ~600 fellows and students, who are engaged in basic, translational and clinical research. (Visit Webpage)
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) is one of 20 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the U.S. specializing in both basic and clinical aspects of cancer-related research. Funded by the National Cancer Institute in 2001, DF/HCC represents a coordinated research program among DFCI, Harvard Medical School (HMS), Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Brigham & Women’s Hospital (BWH), Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) and the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). The DF/HCC supports a set of core resources (see below), which are available to faculty and trainees. Today, more than 1,100 DF/HCC cancer researchers are working together in innovative basic, translational, clinical and population-based research programs. Our members receive >$600 million in cancer research funding. Shared facilities and centralized core laboratories provide access to cutting edge technologies. As one of the largest cancer research enterprises in the world, DF/HCC is committed to maximizing the impact of its research for cancer patients. (Visit Webpage)
Important Resources for our Trainees and Faculty:
Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT is an international leader in genetics and genomics and has developed technology platforms that are used by many trainees and members of our faculty. Several members of our TG faculty are associate members at the Broad Institute, including Garraway, Haining, Hacohen, Novina, Quintana and Wu. Particularly relevant are the platforms for RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 based systematic screens, single-cell RNA-seq and genome sequencing. For example, the cancer genome sequencing capabilities of the Broad Institute have been critical in the development of the phase 1 clinical trial of the neoepitope vaccine performed by Dr. Wu. (Visit Webpage)
Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering uses engineering principles for the development of highly innovative therapeutics. It has 16 core faculty members who are leaders in biomaterials, chemistry, bioengineering and synthetic biology. Dr. Mooney is a member of the Wyss Institute and his scaffold vaccine approach was jointly developed by the Wyss Institute and DFCI for an ongoing phase I clinical trial at DFCI. (Visit Webpage)
Research Facilities of Particular Relevance for Cancer Immunology
Mass Cytometry Facility
In May 2013, Drs. Wucherpfennig (DFCI) and Benoist (HMS) established a shared mass cytometry facility as a consortium of six institutions (DFCI, HMS, BWH, BIDMC, Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Ragon Institute). The consortium purchased a CyTOF2 mass cytometer and supported salaries for an operator and a computational biologist for a two-year period. Cell-bound antibodies are detected based on linked heavy atoms in a mass spectrometer with high resolution, enabling simultaneous analysis of >30 antibodies within complex populations of cells. We recently acquired a second CyTOF2 instrument to meet the growing need. We have acquired significant expertise with this technology which is widely utilized by basic and clinical cancer immunologists.
Flow Cytometry Facility
DFCI has an advanced flow cytometry facility; smaller facilities are also located at the other institutions. The facilities provides sterile sorting and analysis of cells, along with expert training, troubleshooting and experiment planning. The DFCI core has four high-speed sorters: a six-laser BD FACSAria II SORP placed in a biocontainment hood, a five laser BD FACSAria II SORP, a four laser BD FACSAria II SORP and a three laser BD FACSAria IIu. Each sorter is equipped with an Automated Cell Deposition Unit (ACDU) for sterile single cell sorting into 96 or 384 well microtiter plates. The facility also has five analyzers: two BD LSR Fortessa instruments equipped with 4 lasers, a BD FACS Canto II with 3 lasers, a BD FACS Canto II HTS with 3 lasers and a BD LSR II with 3 lasers. Facility staff are available to support researchers with all of their sorting and analysis needs. Assistance is available for experimental design, data acquisition, analysis and troubleshooting.
Microscopy Core Facilities (DFCI, HMS)
There are two major microscopy core facilities, located at DFCI and HMS. The DFCI Confocal and Light Microscopy Core provides state-of-the-art imaging microscopy technology for fixed and live cells and tissues along with scientific and technical expertise to assist in experimental design and optimal image collection. Imaging techniques available through the core are standard fluorescence, long term live cell imaging, confocal, TIRF, FRET, calcium flux and spectral imaging. Available equipment includes a spinning disk confocal microscope equipped with a TIRF arm and capability for rapid calcium flux imaging, a Leica SP5 laser scanning confocal with a white light laser for spectral imaging, and an inverted widefield fluorescence microscope for long-term live cell imaging. The HMS facility also has an N-STORM super-resolution microscope. Training on all equipment, consultation about various imaging techniques, and assistance with image analysis are also available.
Transgenic and Knockout Core Facility (BWH and MGH)
The core was established in 1992 by Dr. Arlene Sharpe and provides gene targeting and microinjection services using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. The core has extensive experience in generating transgenic mice using DNA constructs (including BAC DNAs) and lentiviral constructs. It also has a long track record of success in generating knockout and knockin mice by performing gene targeting. More recently, the core has established the capability to rapidly generate knockout and knockin mice by microinjection of Cas9 and gRNAs into fertilized oocytes. Oligonucleotides or other DNA templates can also be microinjected for homology directed repair to introduce point mutations, loxP sites, epitope tags or reporter genes. This facility is used by the entire Harvard community.
Monoclonal Antibody Core (DFCI)
The monoclonal antibody core produces novel monoclonal antibodies for use in basic and translational research. Researchers can choose to have all phases of antibody production conducted by the core or perform particular steps in their own lab. Services include expression of immunization antigens, immunization of mice, rats and hamsters, fusion and selection of hybridoma clones, isotyping and large-scale antibody production.
Molecular Biology Core Facility (DFCI)
This facility offers a full suite of molecular biology services, including next generation DNA sequencing (Illumina MiSeq, Illumina NextSeq 500), gene expression analysis (Nanostring nCounter), protein interaction analysis (BIAcore 3000 SPR), proteomics (AB SCIEX 4800 MALDI-TOF/TOF, Thermo LTQ-Orbitrap LC-MS, Voyager DE-STR MALDI-TOF) and BIAcore protein-ligand interaction analysis.
RNA Interference Screening Facility (DFCI, Broad Institute)
The RNAi Screening Facility provides investigators with access to RNAi reagents and high-throughput screening technology. Lentiviral-based RNAi constructs against the human and mouse genomes are provided by the RNAi Consortium of the Broad Institute, and can be used to transduce a wide range of target cells, including primary and non-dividing cells. The facility provides reagents, equipment, and technical expertise to design, optimize, and perform cell-based, arrayed lentiviral RNAi screens. Additionally, lentiviral RNAi constructs against individual genes can be requested.
Clinical Cell Manipulation Core Facility (DFCI)
The Connell O’Reilly Cell Manipulation Core Facility assists investigators in developing new cell-based cancer immunotherapies, and supports clinical research studies designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these novel treatments. All cell manufacturing procedures are performed in environmentally controlled conditions according to current Good Manufacturing Practices for cell and tissue processing. Services include the processing of hematopoietic stem cells for autologous or allogeneic transplantation, generation of tumor vaccines including genetic modification of tumor cells, and preparation of immune cell populations for adoptive cellular therapy for phase I and II clinical trials.
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Special Cores
DF/HCC has created a number of specialized core facilities that enable our trainees to work at the interface of the basic and clinical sciences. These cores are located at various sites in the DF/HCC campus. This decentralized distribution makes maximum use of available talent at the various institutions of DF/HCC and also encourages cross campus interactions. The special cores are as follows:
Here are a list of Cores and the Director of each core:
Cancer Proteomics
Towia Libermann, PhD
DNA Resource
Wade Harper, PhD
Collaborative RNAi
Stephanie Mohr, PhD
Cancer Pharmacology
Jeffrey Supko, PhD
Tumor Imaging Metrics
Gordon Harris, PhD
Research Pharmacy
Sylvia Bartel, RPh, MPH
Community Practice
Larissa Nekhlyudov, MD, MPH
Health Communication
Vish Viswanath, PhD
Survey and Data Management
Wendy London, PhD
High-throughput Polymorphism Detection
Immaculata De Vivo, MPH, PhD
Pathology Specimen Locator
Frank Kuo, MD, PhD
Rodent Histopathology
Peter Howley, MD, MMS
Specialized Histopathology Services
Jon Aster, MD, PhD
Tissue Microarray and Imaging
Sabina Signoretti, MD
Biostatistics
Paul Catalano, ScD
Research Centers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The Lurie Family Imaging Center (LFIC) is run by Dr. Quang-Dé Nguyen offers expertise in developing techniques for in vivo molecular characterization of tumors by visualizing molecular characteristics. The Lurie Family Imaging Center (LFIC) has a 14,000 square feet preclinical experimental therapeutic facility that features advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and optical imaging scanners as well as a radiochemistry laboratory. The facility enables investigators to incorporate advanced bio-imaging endpoints into their preclinical studies to study in vivo cancer biology, drug efficacy, and to develop pharmacodynamic biomarker strategies.
The Center for Cancer Computational Biology (CCCB) is run by Dr. John Quackenbush provides broad-based support for the analysis and interpretation of large data set including bioinformatics support for a range of applications, and sRNASeq, miRNASeq, ChIPSeq, ExomeSeq, and targeted resequencing services. The CCCB has also developed several tools for genomic data analysis available for use by DF/HCC researchers. These includes MeV (Multiple Experiment Viewer), a Java tool for genomic data analysis. MeV supports many data input formats, and provides an intuitive graphical interface for clustering, classification, statistical analysis and theme discovery. The Game On breast cancer genome-wide association (GWAS) database is based on a meta-analysis of 12 breast cancer GWAS, including a total of 16,003 cases and 41,335 controls. The Gene Signature DataBase is a searchable database of fully traceable, standardized, annotated gene signatures, which have been manually curated from publications that are indexed in PubMed.
Blais Proteomics Center is run by Dr. Jarrod Marto and develops and applies state-of-the-art proteomics, informatics, and related technologies for direct interrogation of protein expression, modification, and function in response to biological perturbation in cell-based models of human cancer and primary tissues.
The Center for Cancer Genome Discovery (CCGD) is run by Drs. Matthew Meyerson and William Hahn and supports basic genome discovery with the goal of identifying new targets for the treatment of cancer. The resources include multiple aspects of translational genomics including SNP genotyping, OncoMap, Quantitative Gene Expression, Copy Number Analysis, Next Generation Sequencing, Microarray, and Bioinformatic Analysis.
The Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics (CFCE) is run by Drs. Shirley Liu and Myles Brown and explores the key role that epigenetic alterations and abnormal transcriptional regulation play in the development and progression of cancer. CFCE collaborates with multiple investigators across basic and clinical research to develop and execute innovative research involving epigenetics experiments and analyses. CFCE employs technologies such as Chromatin Immunoprecipitation followed by next-generation-sequencing (ChIP-seq), DNase hypersensitivity mapping, gene expression profiling (RNA-Seq) and DNA methylation mapping. It combines these technologies with very strong computational biology expertise to explore the role of epigenetic changes and transcriptional regulation in disease pathogenesis and treatment.
The Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB) is run by Drs. Marc Vidal and David Hill and provides expertise in Network Biology, Analysis of Protein-Protein Interactions, and Analysis of Novel Protein Isoforms.
Center for DNA Damage and Repair (CDDR) is run by Dr. Alan D’Andrea and explores the various DNA repair defects in human cancers which underlie genomic instability. A better understanding of these DNA repair defects will lead to improved diagnostic methods for predicting the best course of therapy for a given cancer patient.
Chemical Biology Program is directed by Dr. Nathanael Gray and includes the laboratories of Drs. James Bradner, Loren Walensky and Sara Buhrlage. The center provides molecular solutions to problems posed by cancer, fostering basic biological discoveries and the translation of these discoveries into new drugs for cancer patients. This program also encompasses a medicinal chemistry laboratory with professional staff that has extensive industry experience.
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Center for Molecular Oncologic Pathology (CMOP) is directed by Dr. Massimo Loda and advances molecular pathology-based cancer research. CMOP addresses significant scientific and clinical research needs, and has created a central hub where researchers can interact, collaborate, and utilize novel molecular pathology technologies to translate basic science discoveries into patient care applications.
Library Facilities
All trainees and faculty enjoy full privileges at Harvard Medical School's Countway Medical Library, which provides both electronic and hard copy access to a broad and deep selection of books and medical journals. For quicker access to more common and current journals, most of the individual Departments have their own small libraries.