Press Kit

USC Epigenetics Research

The study of epigenetics examines the small, chemical changes that turn inherited genes “on” and “off” without actually altering the fundamental genetic information. Many genes are “turned off” as part of the normal part of development process. But problems can arise when these genes are “off” when they should be "on" or vice versa. These changes can make the difference between a cell developing into part of an organ or growing uncontrollably, which is the hallmark of cancer.

The Keck School of Medicine recently received a $10 million gift from the Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation that will be critical in launching one of the nation’s first research centers devoted to the study of epigenetics.

The grant will solidify USC’s position at the forefront of epigenetics research—a field that holds great promise in the treatment and prevention of cancer.

USC also created the Epigenetics and Regulation Program in recognition of the importance of epigenetics to cancer research. The Program seeks to discover the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate normal and cancer cell function, and that will stimulate new translational research in the prevention, etiology, detection, progression and treatment of cancer.

The Epigenetics and Regulation Program has 23 members from nine academic departments in three schools, representing both the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. The epigenetics component of the Program is also expanding rapidly, as the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center seeks to take full advantage of its premier reputation in this field and the translational research opportunities afforded by epigenetics.

In fact, USC recently opened a new 10-story facility that will help in the study of epigenetics. The Harlyne J. Norris Cancer Research Tower will host one entire floor dedicated to the new Epigenome Center led by Peter Jones, M.D., director of the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.