Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Canadian women. There are different types of breast cancer, many of which remain poorly characterized. Thus, we need to improve our understanding of the biology of this disease to develop more effective treatments that would save lives. In this study we will address how viruses, called endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), play a role in breast cancer development and spread. ERVs are remnants of old viral DNA found inside our DNA, which normally do not cause harm. However, our recent studies indicate that certain proteins in our cells, called proteases, play a key role in activating these viruses. Re-activated ERVs have been associated with cancer development. Specifically, we will address whether a breast tumor-associated protease called PIP can activate one such virus, ERVK, which has been implicated in breast cancer development. We will also test whether we can block the activation of ERVK by blocking the action of PIP via specific inhibitors. Additionally, retroviruses and PIP have been found to travel to other parts of the body within capsules (exosomes), possibly resulting in the spread of breast cancer. Thus, we will also address if ERVK and PIP can be packaged into these capsules, and if these capsules can convert normal human cells into cancerous ones. This research direction will improve our understanding of the role of ERVK and PIP in breast cancer, and allow us to develop new breast cancer treatments utilizing protease inhibitors to halt detrimental ERVK activity.