HDAC3 is a transcriptional co-repressor that is overexpressed in several cancers. Knockdown of HDAC3 causes growth arrest of colon cancer cells in vitro, suggesting this gene plays a role in tumour progression. We now wish to determine whether HDAC3 plays a similar role in colon cancer progression in vivo. Using appropriate genetically modified in vivo models this PhD project will investigate the effect of genetic inactivation of HDAC3 on the normal physiology of the colon and on the incidence of colon cancer. These studies will provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that drive colon cancer and thereby contribute to the identification of novel proteins that can be targeted for the treatment of this disease.