Grant: Operating Grant

Numerous genetic changes occur as prostate cancer becomes more aggressive. We have shown that one such change is the loss of expression of CD9, a protein which is also lost in other human cancers. Re-introduction of CD9 into human prostate cancer cells is sufficient to kill these cells if appropriate CD9 partners are present. Using molecular techniques, we identified two new CD9 partners, namely OVCA2 and Mortalin. We showed that when these proteins (CD9, OVCA2 and Mortalin) interact together, they induce the death of prostate cancer cells by a mechanism called mitotic catastrophe, the form of cell death induced by radiotherapy and by some anticancer drugs. In this project we will decipher the mechanisms by which these partners can kill cancer cells. We will also determine if in combination or by themselves, these proteins can sensitize cancer cells to either radiotherapy or chemotherapeutic drugs, thus opening the possibility of using reduced doses, with the goal of reducing side effects.