Seminar Series: Courtney Hodges

Please join the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research on April 16, 2026, as we host Courtney Hodges from the Baylor School of Medicine as part of the PICR Seminar Series. Learn more about the speaker below.

Seminar title: Targeting Chromatin Dependencies of Cancer and Immune Function

Chromatin regulatory systems have emerged as exciting targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer and other disorders. However, the essential roles of these systems in normal gene expression represent a challenge for therapeutic development. We recently performed the first evaluation of selective ATPase inhibitors of the SWI/SNF (BAF) family of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers in immune-competent settings. Excitingly, we find that SWI/SNF inhibition has potent effects on the progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in vitro and in vivo, leading to rapid regression within days without weight loss. We also identify important effects on normal immune cells, which we are currently exploring as a novel avenue to manipulate the tumor-immune microenvironment. Here, I will share our published and unpublished work in this area, focusing on novel mechanisms and translational studies of these agents in hematologic and solid tumors.

Courtney Hodges

Baylor School of Medicine

Associate Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Center for Precision Environmental Health

Member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center

Research in the Hodges lab focuses on mechanisms of transcription and epigenetic function in human disease. The lab uses interdisciplinary approaches, including epigenomics, live-cell imaging, and chemical biology to understand chromatin regulatory systems in various settings. The research is especially focused on new technologies, including single-cell and other quantitative methods.