MD, PhD
G. Denman Hammond Professor of Childhood Cancer
Associate Chief, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Associate Director, Cancer Epigenetics Training Program
Co-leader, Cancer Genetics Program, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Genetics
Area of Interest
I am interested in the application of integrated genome-wide approaches to identify the epigenetic and chromatin biology consequences of genetic alterations in human cancers. Primary foci of the lab include Ewing sarcoma in which we explore the mechanism through which the necessary chromosomal translocation-derived fusion oncoprotein EWSR1-FLI1 regulates chromatin states and target genes. We also are evaluating the effect of mutations in the histone methyltransferase SETD2 and the chromatin remodeling complex member PBRM1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Because of our expertise in epigenomics, we also collaborate with labs across the campus studying other cancers and developmental disorders.
Awards and Honors
- Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, The V Foundation, 2023
- G. Denman Hammond Professorship for Childhood Cancer
- Martin D. Abeloff V Scholar Award
- Rita Allen Foundation Scholar
News and Stories
Ian Davis awarded $1 million by V Foundation
UNC Lineberger's Ian Davis, MD, PhD, was awarded $1 million by the The V Foundation to support his work to improve CAR-T therapy for pediatric solid tumors.
Local athlete benefits from UNC Lineberger physician’s expertise
Local football player Troy Ennis and his family go through a rare cancer diagnosis and treatment together, relying on the expertise of UNC Lineberger's Ian Davis, MD.
Researchers discover gene linked to bone cancer in children, identify potential novel therapy
Pengda Liu, PhD, Ian Davis, MD, PhD, and colleagues have discovered a gene, OTUD7A, that impacts the development of Ewing sarcoma, as well as a compound that shows potential to block OTUD7A protein activity.
Study provides insights behind hyperactivation of key cell proliferation signal
The idea was simple: find the faulty signals that drive cancerous growth in cells, and block them. But what University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researcher Pengda Liu, PhD, has discovered, when it comes to cancer, even straightforward concepts can become complicated. “When you find a target and inhibit it, you find the …
