Christopher Vakoc
Professor
Cancer Center Program Co-Leader
M.D., Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 2007
vakoc@cshl.edu | 516-367-5045
Cancer cells achieve their pathogenicity by changing which genes are on and off. To maintain these changes in gene expression, cancer cells rely on proteins that interact with DNA or modify chromatin. My group investigates how such factors sustain the aberrant capabilities of cancer cells, thereby identifying new therapeutic targets.
Cancer can be understood as a disease of dysfunctional gene expression control. Research in Chris Vakoc’s lab investigates how transcription factors and chromatin regulators cooperate to control gene expression and maintain the cancer cell state. This work makes extensive use of genetic screens to reveal cancer-specific functions for transcriptional regulators, as well as genomic and biochemical approaches to identify molecular mechanisms. One theme that has emerged from their efforts is that blood cancers are often vulnerable to targeting transcriptional coactivators, such as BRD4 and the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. Vakoc’s team demonstrated that chemical inhibition of BRD4 exhibits therapeutic effects in mouse models of leukemia, a finding that has motivated ongoing clinical trials in human leukemia patients. The Vakoc lab has also developed a CRISPR-Cas9 screening approach that can reveal individual protein domains that sustain cancer cells. Their lab is now deploying this technology in a diverse array of human cancers to reveal therapeutic opportunities and basic mechanisms of cancer gene control.
Vakoc wins Paul Marks Prize for cancer research
AACR Outstanding Achievement in Cancer Research Award
Forbeck Scholar Award
"V Scholar" by The V Foundation for Cancer Research
Burroughs Welcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists
Pershing Square Sohn Prize
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Scholar Award
$3 Million gift from longtime benefactor Edith Seligson
January 20, 2022
CSHL announces a $3 million gift from longtime benefactor Edith Seligson to name the Alan and Edith Seligson Professor of Cancer Research.
Obscure protein is spotlighted in fight against leukemia
January 11, 2022
CSHL scientists find that a protein previously unknown to cancer researchers may hold the key to targeting acute myeloid leukemia.
Mary Ruchalski Foundation donates $85K for rhabdomyosarcoma research
November 30, 2021
The Mary Ruchalski Foundation donated $85,000 for rhabdomyosarcoma research in Professor Chris Vakoc’s lab.
Creating a community for hope
November 30, 2021
CSHL researchers began studying sarcoma in 2014, thanks in part to the encouragement and investments of three local foundations.
Exploiting cancer’s sweet tooth
October 25, 2021
Sugar addiction is a weakness for cancer cells, especially if they have only one method to get what they need.
CSHL Ph.D. program: Graduating class of 2021
August 22, 2021
The CSHL School of Biological Sciences awarded Ph.D. degrees to seven students this year, who describe some of their experiences.
Maddie’s Promise donates $40k for pediatric cancer research
June 16, 2021
Maddie’s Promise donated $40,000 to fund cutting-edge rhabdomyosarcoma research in Professor Chris Vakoc’s lab.
When cancer cells “put all their eggs in one basket”
May 27, 2021
CSHL researchers uncover a weakness in acute myeloid leukemia cells that can be targeted by cancer drugs.
Daniela Conte Foundation donates $30K for sarcoma research
May 20, 2021
The Daniela Conte Foundation donated $30,000 to support CSHL Professor Chris Vakoc’s lab’s sarcoma research.
Mary Ruchalski Foundation donates $60k for RMS research
November 13, 2020
The Mary Ruchalski Foundation donated $60,000 to CSHL Professor Chris Vakoc and his team for ongoing rhabdomyosarcoma research.
Building publication list.