Grant: Operating Grant

Cancer is the result of deregulated cellular processes such as cell proliferation (increased number of cells, "nodule"), cell morphology (the shape and color of the cell are changed), cell movement and attachment (the cell will move from one site to another site or organ, "metastasis"). My laboratory is studying small molecules, named Rho GTPases, which are implicated in the regulation of these cellular processes. They act as switches that can be turned on or off, and are important both in the functions of a normal cell as well as in the regulation of processes leading to cancer. I have previously identified a novel protein, named CdGAP, which can turn off the Rho GTPases. CdGAP is the member of a large family of proteins and there is now much evidence suggesting that these proteins are affected in human cancers. Moreover, we have recently demonstrated CdGAP as a positive modulator of breast cancer cells. Therefore, we are using molecular and cellular approaches to better understand the role of CdGAP in breast cancer. The goal of this research proposal is to understand at the molecular and cellular level how CdGAP functions in the cell. Understanding how CdGAP is regulated and functions in the cell will provide novel molecular targets for therapeutic agents against breast cancer and will provide invaluable tools to screen human cancers for this protein. This will lead to the reduction of the incidence, morbidity, and mortality from cancer.