Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Normal functioning of the human body and tissue formation requires a tight control of cues and signals sent from one cell to another. A plethora of signals are interpreted by cell surface molecules called receptors and based on these signals, cells respond in a variety of ways. Sometimes they promote growth or induce death but they can also promote a cell to move through the body. This process occurs normally during embryonic development but also occurs in cancer in an uncontrolled manner when a cell from a tumour metastasizes and colonizes another part of the body. Typically, the process of metastasis is what ultimately leads to death in cancer patients. The molecules that the cell uses to adhere to its surroundings are called integrins and are used when a cell migrates. When they are activated by signals, they are taken up within the cell and either destroyed or transported to a surface of cell where it is needed. I propose that by elucidating the mechanisms that control this decision between integrin destruction or recycling, we can understand how the cell controls movement and ultimately use this for therapeutic benefit. I plan to investigate the molecules that control integrin transport inside the cell using state of the art microscopic techniques, as well as established biochemical methods. This fundamental understanding is crucial for our interpretation of clinical trials that are currently ongoing which use drugs that target integrins. The study that I propose will be used to explain possible clinical outcomes and will ultimately aid in the rational improvement and refinement of therapy.