Ottawa Centre for Epigenetics Research (OCER)

Ottawa Centre for Epigenetics Research (OCER) regroups basic and clinician scientists with demonstrated expertise in epigenetics from the Ottawa research community, including: Faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa (uOttawa), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI), and Health Canada.

Mission Statement

Epigenetic phenomena are the mechanisms used by our body to adapt to environmental changes, allowing our cells to modify how the DNA in our genome is interpreted. Although these phenomena are essential to human health, unwanted epigenetic changes contribute to cellular dysfunction in disease and aging. OCER is committed to elucidating the role of epigenetic in human health to improve the quality of life for Canadians through research, education, and community outreach.

Vision Statement

OCER seeks to understand the role of epigenetics in human biology with the goal of developing innovative therapeutic strategies to treat and/or prevent disease. As epigenetic phenomena in cells are dynamic and responsive to environmental factors, detrimental changes within diseased tissues are considered reversible. Our goal is to improve the health of Canadians through the development of novel therapies (research), and implementation of lifestyle changes (education/outreach) that correct epigenetic deficiencies in human disease, while facilitating healthy aging.