Welcome to the DNA and Chromosome Aberrations Branch, DCB

The DNA and Chromosome Aberrations Branch (DCAB) plans and administers a broadly-based extramural program of grants on the cancer-related mechanisms of DNA damage/repair, and related molecular, cytogenetic, and chromosomal effects during induction and progression to malignancy. The scientific scope encompasses a number of disciplines, including: DNA damage detection, repair, and response mechanisms, as well as the molecular basis for spontaneous and heritable defects in DNA repair and chromosome stability.

Table of Contents:

• Staff
• Program Areas
• Technical Contact/Areas of Expertise
• RFAs and PAs
• Address/Phone/FAX

DCAB Staff :

• Dr. Bruce W. Wachholz, Branch Chief
• Dr. Ilda McKenna, Program Analyst,
• Dr. Paul Okano, Program Director, Chemical Response and Epigenetic Mechanisms
• Dr. Richard A. Pelroy, Program Director, Radiation Response Mechanisms
• Ms. Renee Castro, International Program Assistant

Program Areas: The Branch portfolio is composed mainly of unsolicited grants with current scientific emphases in the following areas:

• Biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and structural biology of carcinogen (e.g., radiation, chemicals, etc.)-induced and endogenous DNA repair mechanisms (e.g., nucleotide and base excision, recombination, mismatch repair pathways)
  
  
• Cytogenetic and molecular structure/function analysis of induced and spontaneous chromosome aberrations that are associated with genomic instability and cancer induction (e.g., translocations, deletions, fragile sites),
  
  
• Discovery, molecular mapping and characterization of new cancer genes,
  
  
• Epigenetic mechanisms involved in gene silencing and cancer induction,
  
  
• Mechanisms of DNA damage-inducible signaling, resulting perturbations to the cell-cycle, and regulation of apoptosis or other mechanisms of programmed cell death.

In addition to unsolicited applications, the DCAB portfolio also includes applications submitted in response to NCI-sponsored Requests for Applications (RFAs) and Program Announcements (PAs) that target specific research areas and opportunities.

Technical Contact/Areas of Expertise:

• Dr. Bruce Wachholz/ Radiation research, protection and policy issues.
  
  
• Dr. Paul Okano/ Molecular and cellular effects of chemical carcinogens including mutagenesis, DNA replication and repair, structural alterations to DNA, oxidative damage and repair, and genetic and epigenetic changes leading to carcinogenesis
  
  
• Dr. Richard Pelroy/ Biological effects of ionizing radiation and ultra-violet light (UV) including mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, genomic instability, cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, and biodosimetry.

Request for Applications and Program Announcements:

None at this time.

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Branch Address, Phone and Telefax Numbers

U.S.Mail:

Express Mail:

Phone: (301) 496-9326

FAX: (301) 496-1224

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