Mehdipour group | Cancer epigenetics and epitranscriptomics

Dr Parinaz Mehdipour

Research in our lab focuses on assessing basic and translational aspects of epigenetic regulation and RNA modifications in the treatment of cancer. We investigate how the mammalian innate immune system can discriminate between endogenous and exogenous nucleic acids, such as from viruses. For example, we and others have shown that treating cancer cells with DNA methylation inhibitors can trigger production of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) from repetitive sequences, mimicking viral infection. We are particularly interested in exploring immunogenic dsRNAs as biomarkers for predicting and monitoring the responses to cancer treatment.

Key aims of our research group:

To study the translational role of immunogenic dsRNAs as biomarkers for predicting and monitoring the response of cancer cells to cancer therapies.
To understand the mechanisms by which the mammalian innate immune system discriminates endogenous from exogenous nucleic acids and exploit this to improve the cancer treatment.
To identify novel candidates for therapeutic targeting in cancer.

Find out more about research in the Mehdipour group