Scientists and staff across NIEHS gathered Oct. 30 for the institute’s Genomics Day symposium, which showcased cutting-edge research and fresh insights into how the interplay of genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors can influence human health. Genomics refers to the study of all of a person’s genes and the interactions of those genes with each other and the environment. Epigenetics refers to changes to DNA or the proteins associated with DNA that affect gene expression but not the underlying genetic code.

The meeting kicked off with highlights from several NIEHS Core Facilities, including the Molecular Genomics Core, the Epigenomics and DNA Sequencing Core, and the Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group (see sidebar). They offer state-of-the art tools and technologies that enable researchers to better analyze complex genomic and epigenetic data. Throughout the rest of the symposium, there were seven oral presentations and 79 posters on display from scientists in the NIEHS Division of Intramural Research and the institute’s Division of Translational Toxicology. Researchers discussed topics ranging from hormone resistance in breast cancer and how cells respond to stress to the origins of a birth defect called hypospadias and new methods to study the lung microbiome.

“This event provides an opportunity for everyone at NIEHS to dive deeper into genomics, foster robust conversation and collaboration, and increase awareness of the scientific tools and resources available at our institute,” said meeting organizer Kevin Gerrish, Ph.D., who directs the Molecular Genomics Core. “Genomics companies are also invited as we want to provide NIEHS scientists with information on new tools that may help to advance their research.”

Understanding how cells respond to stress

Jacob Gordon, a fellow in the NIEHS Nucleolar Integrity Group, shared his work examining how cells respond to stress, which has important implications for diseases like cancer. He focused on a specific protein complex — called the rixosome — that helps cells control genes and manage stress. Inside that complex is an enzyme called SENP3, which works like a molecular switch, helping proteins in the cell respond to changing conditions.

Gordon and his colleagues found that activity of SENP3 increases when it attaches to a specific part of the rixosome, allowing it to control a process called SUMOylation. That process is key to both regulating how proteins work and ensuring cells stay healthy under stress. When SUMOylation is disrupted, it can pave the way for cancer and other conditions, making Gordon’s research potentially valuable for identifying new treatment strategies.

“I’m excited to see how our research in this area progresses,” said Gordon. “Greater understanding of the dynamic between SENP3 and the rixosome could open up new avenues for treating conditions where cellular stress plays a major role.”

Breast cancer and hormone resistance

Research into why certain breast cancers are resistant to hormone-based therapies was shared by Laura Kammel, Ph.D., a fellow in the NIEHS Single Cell Dynamics Group. She focuses on Luminal B breast cancer, an aggressive subtype known for its limited responsiveness to estrogen-blocking treatments. Kammel described her work using 3D imaging and advanced genomics techniques to analyze how estrogen affects the molecular landscape of cancer cells.

“In our Luminal B mouse model, the cancer cells had a weaker response to estrogen compared to normal mammary cells, which may explain why patients with this cancer subtype often experience limited success with standard treatments,” said Kammel. “The cancer cells reduced dependance on estrogen suggests that these cells have alternate mechanisms regulating their growth, making hormone-based therapies less effective.”

Kammel also studied how DNA in the cancer cells is organized. She found that changes in chromatin structure may play a role in why cells behave differently compared with normal cells. She noted that more work in this area could lead to better ways to treat Luminal B breast cancer.

Poster presentations, opportunities for collaboration

The Genomics Day poster session bustled with activity and spanned a range of topics related to genomics and environmental health. Researchers showcased work in areas such as the biological mechanisms involved in DNA repair, the lung microbiome, and the impact of environmental exposures on gene expression.

Mahina Monsur, Ph.D., a visiting fellow in the DNA Replication Fidelity Group who presented research on how cells repair damaged DNA, shared her takeaways from the event.

“Genomics Day felt like a creative incubator where ideas were flowing freely, and I left with a renewed sense of excitement for the possibilities in the field,” she said. “I connected with several researchers working on complementary projects, and we discussed potential collaborations that could enhance our studies.”