Memory and Dynamics in Epigenetically-Induced Polycomb-Dependent Tumors in Drosophila

Cell fate is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, making it challenging to disentangle their individual contributions to cell fate decisions. While cancer initiation and progression are typically linked to the accumulation of somatic mutations, substantial epigenomic alterations are also critical in various aspects of tumorigenesis and cancer susceptibility. This suggests that genetic mechanisms alone may not be sufficient to drive malignant transformations. This seminar will explore how purely non-genetic reprogramming mechanisms can initiate tumorigenesis independently of mutations, highlighting the importance of epigenetic factors in cancer development.