Grant: Team Grant: Terry Fox New Frontiers Program in Cancer (LOI)

We previously discovered a protein we called the inhibitor of growth (ING1) that blocked the growth of cancer cells when it was placed in them, and that was reduced in levels in cancer, compared to normal cells. We are now working to discover exactly how ING1 and the more recently discovered ING2-5 proteins operate to block cell growth and to force cells to commit a form of cell suicide called apoptosis. We also plan to determine how ING functions in pathways related to apoptosis such as repairing the genetic material (DNA). Building from these results, we will test potential ING-based anti-cancer therapeutic approaches in animal model systems. We feel that our team has the complementary expertise, history of successful collaboration, and supportive environment to meet our objectives and attain our overall goal of making a difference in the lives of cancer patients.