Epigenetic changes are now recognized to be as important to cancer formation as are gene mutations. Unlike mutations, however, epigenetic states can be altered, and epigenetic therapies hold promise as anti-cancer agents. For these approaches to succeed, we must understand how epigenetic states are created and maintained, and how they are altered in particular malignancies. This meeting will highlight large scale epigenome mapping efforts in normal cells, stem cells, and cancer cells, as well as genetic and biochemical studies focused on defining the mechanistic underpinning of these states. The meeting will bring together basic scientists studying the enzymes that govern epigenetic marks, particularly DNA methylation and histone post translational modifications, with translational and clinical researchers who are developing and implementing new epigenetic therapies. Opportunities for cross fertilization of ideas and interdisciplinary interactions will be further strengthened by joint keynote and plenary sessions with the concurrent meeting on Transcriptional Regulation.
