David Bhatt

David Bhatt investigates how epigenetic heterogeneity within tumors is generated, maintained, and transmitted during cancer evolution and therapy. His research showed that cancer stem cells maintain distinct epigenomic states that confer tumor-initiating capacity and therapy resistance. He has studied how stochastic epigenetic variation generates phenotypic plasticity that enables adaptation to therapy. His work on epigenetic clonal evolution parallels genetic clonal dynamics and may explain how cancers escape therapy without genetic mutation.