Abnormal DNA methylation is a typical feature of cancer, but it remains unclear how these changes are coordinated throughout the genome and what significance they have for tumor development. The Institute for Stem Cell Biology of RWTH Aachen Medical School investigates how cancer-associated epigenetic changes arise in a connected manner across different types of cancer and whether they play a crucial role in the transformation of cells. This research could provide fundamental insights into tumor development and open new avenues for treatments.