UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has been awarded up to $28 million by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to lead the development of a next-generation clinical trial for breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. The new trial design will adapt treatment plans in near real-time by analyzing changes in each patient’s cancer and matching it to the most promising therapy.

A recent review in eGastroenterology explores how key epigenetic changes—including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs—drive the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These mechanisms influence oncogene activation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, and contribute to therapy resistance. The paper highlights how DNA hypermethylation silences tumor suppressors, while histone modifications regulate gene transcription. Furthermore, dysregulated noncoding RNAs modulate signaling pathways critical to hepatocarcinogenesis. Importantly, emerging epigenetic therapies, including inhibitors and RNA-targeting agents, offer potential in precision oncology. These findings underscore the relevance of epigenetic research in improving HCC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Salk Assistant Professor Deepshika Ramanan has been named a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar. The award will help fund her research on how maternal immune cells support lactation and shape long-term health outcomes for both mother and child.