Grant: Project Grant

Proteins are synthesized as a result of gene expression and play a critical role in maintaining normal cell function. When expression of proteins is deregulated, diseases such as cancer can arise. We focus on the action of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are micromolecules naturally synthesized by the body and capable of regulating the production of a large proportion of proteins. MicroRNAs are interesting because given the nature of their structure, they are easy to synthesize in a laboratory setting and non-toxic to cells, hence offer a valuable therapeutic option. TGFß is a growth factor capable of promoting or inhibiting critical miRNAs. Indeed, we found that when we expose a cell to TGFß, the expression of these miRNAs changes, and that as a consequence, the expression pattern of proteins within the cell will also change. Interestingly, TGFß can prevent the formation of tumors in healthy cells and early cancers, and promote metastasis (i.e. cancer dissemination) in more advanced cancer cases. With our current research, we want to identify the miRNAs that are regulated by TGFß, and investigate how modulating their expression affects tumor suppression and progression. With our newly acquired knowledge, we will determine if the abundance of our identified miRNAs is of relevance in differentiating between normal versus tumor tissue and between different types of tumors, and if they can be an indication of prognosis or response to treatment. Furthermore, we will investigate their ability to refrain tumor development, growth, and dissemination in live organisms.