Grant: Project Grant

Low oxygen levels (hypoxia) occur in breast tumors and have been shown to make breast cancer cells better able to spread (metastasize) and resist therapy. This study is focused on determining how hypoxia causes these phenomena so that we can one day prevent metastasis and recurrence. To do this we will attempt to understand how genes are able to start at a different place so that their products (proteins) can be made more efficiently. This is important because these proteins allow the cancer cells to survive hypoxia, and to subsequently progress. By understanding this important process, our work could reveal new therapeutic targets designed to prevent metastasis and recurrence.