Dr. Rood has shown the importance of chromosome 17p deletion and epigenetic inactivation in the silencing of the tumor suppressor gene HIC-1 in medulloblastoma. With the support of an Avery Research Scholars Award from the Children's Research Institute, Dr. Rood used gene expression profiling to identify potential targets of HIC-1 mediated transcriptional repression. He has also begun using siRNA to silence HIC-1 in order to confirm one of these targets, PDGF-C. With the support of a Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award, Dr. Rood plans to use this strategy to demonstrate the role of HIC-1 inactivation in the establishment of a growth stimulatory autocrine loop involving PDGF-CC.