| Do Cells from the Fetus Contribute to Breast Cancer |
Sep-2009 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Peter Geck; TUFTS UNIV BOSTON MA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
|
 | Stable fetomaternal microchimerism (MC), an exchange of fetal and maternal cells during pregnancy is a novel observation. Pregnancy-associated progenitor cells (PAPC) from male fetuses carry Y-chromosome markers. Fetal progenitors can contribute to normal regenerative processes, although their negative roles in autoimmunity and cancer were also reported. Since regeneration cycles facilitate progenitor integration, we postulated that post-pregnancy tissue remodeling in the mammary gland can integrate fetal progenitor-lineage. We proposed that disrupted ... |
|
| The Role of eIF4E Activity in Breast Cancer |
Aug-2009 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Thomas A Hughes; L A Coleman; S Satheesha; LEEDS UNIV (UNITED KINGDOM)
|
| Increased eIF4E expression occurs in many breast cancers and makes fundamental contributions to carcinogenesis by stimulating expression of cancer-related genes at post-transcriptional levels. This key role is highlighted by the facts that eIF4E levels can predict prognosis and that eIF4E is an established therapeutic target. However, eIF4E activity is a complex function of expression levels and phosphorylation statuses of eIF4E and its regulatory proteins. Our hypothesis was that combined analyses ... |
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| The Role of eIF4E Activity in Breast Cancer |
Aug-2009 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
James N McElwaine; CAMBRIDGE UNIV (UNITED KINGDOM)
|
| Increased eIF4E expression occurs in many breast cancers and makes fundamental contributions to carcinogenesis by stimulating expression of cancer-related genes at post-transcriptional levels. This key role is highlighted by the facts that eIF4E can predict prognosis and that eIF4E is an established therapeutic target. However, eIF4E activity is a complex function of expression levels and phosphorylation statuses of eIF4E and its regulatory proteins. Our hypothesis was that combined analyses of ... |
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| The Role of BRCA1 Domains and Motifs in Tumor Suppression |
Aug-2009 |
29 pages |
| Authors:
Aneliya Velkova; H LEE MOFFITT CANCER CENTER AND RESEARCH INST TAMPA FL
|
| The purpose of this research is to classify BRCA1 variants for which cancer association is not known (unclassified variants UCV). To approach this problem we hypothesized that poorly characterized but conserved domains in BRCA1 directly participate in its tumor suppression function. To test this hypothesis we choose a global approach analyzing several BRCA1 domains and point mutants in functions that have previously been attributed to BRCA1: long term survival after ... |
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| Treatment of Breast Tumors using Pulsed HIFU for Delivery and Activation of Sonosensitizers |
Aug-2009 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Brian E O'Neill; METHODIST HOSPITAL HOUSTON TX
|
| High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been combined with a Rose Bengal derivative (RB2) to provide a synergistic cytotoxicity requiring the presence of both ultrasonic cavitation and drug. In vitro tests have shown that a short treatment (less than 30s) of pulsed HIFU with power sufficient for cavitation destroys 95% of breast cancer cells in suspension with 15micrometers of the compound. Neither the pulsed HIFU nor the RB2 compound was ... |
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| Evaluating Surgical Margins with Optical Spectroscopy and Spectral Imaging Following Breast Cancer Resection |
Aug-2009 |
61 pages |
| Authors:
Matthew D Keller; VANDERBILT UNIV NASHVILLE TN
|
| In one aspect of the fellowship, a training program has been established to expose the PI to a wide range of current breast cancer research, particularly through seminars in imaging and cancer biology fields. Collaborations with other graduate students and mentoring of undergraduate students has also been pursued. In the research portion, polarized fluorescence and reflectance-based imaging was initially pursued to examine breast tumor surgical margin status intraoperatively during breast ... |
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| tRNAs as Biomarkers and Regulators for Breast Cancer |
Aug-2009 |
19 pages |
| Authors:
Tao Pan; Marsha Rosner; M Pavon-Eternod; S Gomes; R Geslain; Q Dai; CHICAGO UNIV IL
|
| tRNA reads mRNA codons in translation and is essential for protein synthesis. Like mRNA, tRNAs are also under stringent cellular control. Our proposal aims to determine the feasibility of using tRNA expression as biomarkers for breast cancer type and progression, and how tRNAs are used to regulate gene expression in breast cancer cells. We found that the expression of both nuclear and mitochondrial-encoded tRNAs can be useful as possible biomarkers ... |
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| In Silico Genome Mismatch Scanning to Map Breast Cancer Genes in Extended Pedigrees |
01-Jul-2009 |
89 pages |
| Authors:
Alun Thomas; UTAH UNIV SALT LAKE CITY
|
| This project aims to map breast cancer genes using dense single nucleotide polymorphism assays in large extended pedigrees. Data has been collected using 1,000,000 SNP genotype assays for 25 women affected by breast cancer in three high risk Utah pedigrees. Analysis of control data from the HapMap project has been completed and methods that will model linkage disequilibrium for genome wide, dense, SNP data have been developed. Papers describing these ... |
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| Regulation of the Inflammasome, a Modulator of Caspase-1 Mediated Cytokine Production |
01-Jul-2009 |
20 pages |
| Authors:
Karl R Schmitz; PENNSYLVANIA UNIV PHILADELPHIA
|
| Aberrant regulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor is implicated in a number of epithelial cancers, including a large fraction of breast cancers. Antibody based inhibitors directed against the extracellular ligand binding domain of the receptor have proven to be a clinically viable cancer therapeutic. We have used mutagenesis and binding competition studies to map the epitopes of two inhibitory antibodies. Additionally, we have structurally and biochemically characterized a set ... |
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| Biologic and Computational Modeling of Mammographic Density and Stromal Patterning |
Jul-2009 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Joseph Lo; Victoria Seewaldt; DUKE UNIV DURHAM NC
|
| Mammographic density serves as independent marker of short term breast cancer risk and a surrogate marker of response to a variety of prevention agents1-3. Although a majority of breast cancers are epithelial in origin, there is evidence that stromal content of the breast is an important predictor or mammographic density. There is increasing evidence that the stroma plays a role in breast cancer initiation4. However, currently we lack an understanding ... |
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| Structural and Mechanistic Analyses of TSC1/2 and Rheb 1/2-Mediated Regulation of the mTORC Pathway |
Jul-2009 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
David M Sabatini; WHITEHEAD INST FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CAMBRIDGE MA
|
| The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) formed by mTOR, Raptor, mLST8 and PRAS40 is a principal regulator of cell growth in response to the nutrient and energy status of the cell, and its deregulation has recently emerged as a key driver in human cancers. Here, we present three-dimensional structures of the intact complex, as well as free Raptor, at nominal resolutions of 26 and 30 , as determined ... |
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| Role of XIAP in Therapeutic Resistance in Inflammatory Breast Cancer |
Jul-2009 |
49 pages |
| Authors:
Katherine M Aird; DUKE UNIV DURHAM NC
|
| Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a highly aggressive form of locally advanced breast cancer that is often characterized by ErbB2 and ErbB1 overexpression. ErbB-targeting is clinically relevant using trastuzumab, an anti-ErbB2 antibody, and lapatinib, a small molecule ErbB1/2 kinase inhibitor. However, acquired resistance is common even in those patients who show an initial clinical response; this resistance is in part due to apoptotic dysregulation, which allows transformed cells to survive ... |
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| Mechanisms Underlying the Breast Cancer Susceptibility Locus Mcs5a |
Jul-2009 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Bart M Smits; WISCONSIN UNIV-MADISON
|
| For low-penetrance breast cancer risk alleles it is currently unknown how they lead to predisposition. Here, we study the Mcs5a locus that is associated with breast cancer risk in rats and humans. In our rat model we show that the presence of the resistant genotype of two components of the locus (Mcs5a1, Mcs5a2) down regulates the expression of the Fbxo10 gene in the T cells and that this reduced expression ... |
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| Genomic Approaches for Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer |
Jul-2009 |
28 pages |
| Authors:
Stephen J Elledge; BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL BOSTON MA
|
| The experiments carried out under this Innovator award allowed us to set up a genetic system to identify genes through loss of function (RNAi) or gain of function (over-expression) functional screens that are capable of influencing cells to acquire tumorlike properties. In this way we have identified many novel tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Many of these are found to be altered in breast cancer and other cancer types. Importantly, we ... |
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| Checkpoint Functions of the BRCA1/BARD1 Tumor Suppressor |
Jul-2009 |
34 pages |
| Authors:
Ami Modi; COLUMBIA UNIV NEW YORK
|
| The tumor suppressor BRCA1 has been implicated in numerous cellular processes, including cell cycle checkpoint control, DNA repair, and mitotic spindle assembly. In vivo, BRCA1 primarily exists in association with BARD1, and the BRCA1/BARD1 heterodimer is thought to mediate the tumor suppression activity of BRCA1. It has been shown that the phosphorylation state of the BARD1 polypeptide is cell- cycle regulated and that BARD1 is hyperphosphorylated in mitosis at seven ... |
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| Regulatory Role of the NF-kB Pathway in Lymphangiogenesis and Breast Cancer Mestatasis |
Jul-2009 |
33 pages |
| Authors:
Michael Flister; SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIV SPRINGFIELD
|
| The concept of inflammation-induced lymphangiogenesis (i.e., formation of new lymphatic vessels) has long been recognized, but the molecular mechanisms remained largely unknown. The two primary mediators of lymphangiogenesis are vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) and Prox1. The key factors that regulate inflammation-induced transcription are members of the NF-kB family; however, the role of NF-kB in regulation of lymphatic-specific genes has not been defined. Here, we identified VEGFR-3 and Prox1 ... |
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| Altered MicroRNA Activity Promotes Resistance to Endocrine Therapy |
Jul-2009 |
42 pages |
| Authors:
Diana M Cittelly; COLORADO UNIV AURORA CO
|
| MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have tumor suppressive and oncogenic potential in human cancer, but little is known about the extent at which miRNA expression is modified after anti-estrogen treatment and the contribution of specific miRNAs to the acquisition of anti-estrogen resistance. To answer this question, in Aim 1, we performed miRNA profiling of tamoxifen-resistant and sensitive breast cancer cells treated with Estradiol or Tam. Several miRNAs were intrinsically downregulated in tam-resistant cells ... |
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| Onboard SPECT for Localizing Functional and Molecular Targets in Metastatic Breast Cancer |
Jul-2009 |
20 pages |
| Authors:
Justin R Roper; DUKE UNIV DURHAM NC
|
| The overall goal of this work is to assess the feasibility of using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for imaging inside radiation therapy treatment rooms to localize functional & molecular targets associated with metastatic breast cancer. A computer simulation was performed using a female NCAT phantom that had various tumor diameters and uptake ratios located in bone, chest wall and lung. SPECT scans were simulated for an anterior half-circular ... |
|
| Fluorophore Nanogold Particle-Based Optical Breast Cancer Locator |
Jul-2009 |
17 pages |
| Authors:
Michael H Nantz; LOUISVILLE UNIV RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC KY OFFICE OF GRANTS MANAGEMENT
|
| We report synthetic routes for modifying the fluorophore cypate, an indocyanine green (FDA approved) derivative, with custom thiol-terminated peptide and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) substrates. We selected the amino acid sequence of the peptide to serve as a recognition element for the enzyme urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), a serine protease synthesized within cancer cells. In collaboration with Dr. Kang (partnering award W81XWH-08-1-0460), the peptide and PEG conjugates are attached via the ... |
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| Functional Studies of Tumor Suppressor RASSF1A in Breast Cancer |
Jul-2009 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Lingyan Jiang; STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK UPSTATE MEDICAL CENTER SYRACUSE
|
| This Predoctoral Traineeship Award was specially intended to support Lingyan Jiang in Functional Studies of Tumor Suppressor RASSF1A in Breast Cancer. RASSF1A is a firmly established tumor suppressor, which is silenced in a variety of cancer. Our preliminary studies demonstrate RASSF1A directly interacts with a potential oncoprotein NAP1 (nucleosome assembly protein 1) through the MTinteracting region on RASSF1A. Based on these novel findings, we hypothesized that NAP1 could play an ... |
|
| Roles for the DNA Damage Checkpoint Protein HUS1 in Breast Cancer |
Jul-2009 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Stephanie A Yazinski; CORNELL UNIV NEW YORK
|
| Cancer is aberrant, uncontrolled cellular proliferation arising from an accumulation of mutations in growth regulatory genes. Two mammalian DNA damage checkpoint pathways, the Atm and Atr pathways, act to suppress tumor formation by preventing mutation accumulation and inducing senescence in response to oncogenic stimuli. Roles for the Atr pathway in tumor suppression are less understood, as deletion of any member of this pathway, including Hus1, results in embryonic lethality. To ... |
|
| A Partnership Training Program in Breast Cancer Research Using Molecular Imaging Techniques |
Jul-2009 |
156 pages |
| Authors:
Paul C Wang; HOWARD UNIV WASHINGTON DC
|
| This partnership training program is between Howard University and the Johns Hopkins University to pursue breast cancer research using molecular imaging techniques. The program has two components: a research component and a broad training component. Six Howard faculty members and two research assistants were trained. Two collaborative research projects have completed: (1) Magnetic Resonance Imaging Enhancement by Tumor Cell Targeted Immunoliposome Complex Delivered Contrast Agent, and (2) Imaging the Effects ... |
|
| The Loss of Pin1 Deregulates Cell Cycle Progression and Promotes the Development of Breast Cancer |
Jul-2009 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
Brian Lew; DUKE UNIV DURHAM NC
|
| Pin1 regulates many factors that are relevant to breast cancer, such as c-Jun, c-Myc, cyclin D1, and cyclin E. However the function of Pin1 in a normal cell is still poorly understood. Thus the role of Pin1 in G0/G1 to S-phase progression and genomic instability was examined in this research project. |
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| Genetic Manipulation of Mammary Stem Cells to Reconcile Tumor Stem Cell Theory with Breast Cancer Heterogeneity |
Jul-2009 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Justine Hutchinson; DARTMOUTH COLL HANOVER NH
|
| This report serves as a progress report on the first year of my training grant. I have just completed my fourth year as a graduate student in Dartmouth Medical School's Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, part of the Program in Experimental Molecular Medicine (PEMM). Dr. James DiRenzo serves as my mentor and chair of my thesis committee, and also directs the lab where I work, hereafter referred to as the ... |
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| Identification of the Mechanisms Underlying Antiestrogen Resistance: Breast Cancer Research Partnership between FIU-UM Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute |
Jun-2009 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Deodutta Roy; FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIV MIAMI
|
| This research proposal has two primary objectives which are to (1) increase FIU investigators' research expertise and competitive ability to succeed as independent breast cancer researchers; and (2) to execute research with the promise of identifying molecular causes of breast tumor resistance to anti-estrogen therapy. This research is of significant merit because of its clinical relevance to breast cancer. Secondly, the research accomplishments through the FIU/BFBCI training program will lead ... |
|
| Genetic Dissection of the Role of Heparan Sulfate in Mammary Tumor Progression |
Jun-2009 |
14 pages |
| Authors:
Yu Yamaguchi; BURNHAM INST LA JOLLA CA
|
| There is accumulating evidence that heparan sulfate (HS) controls various growth factor signaling events. There is also evidence that cellular HS production itself exerts strong influences on tumorigenesis, exemplified by the fact that mutations of Ext1, the gene encoding an HS synthesizing enzyme, cause multiple bone tumors. Furthermore, the level of HS degrading activity correlates with the aggressiveness of the tumor. Despite these longstanding observations, much less is known about ... |
|
| Checkpoint Kinase-Dependent Regulation of DNA Repair and Genome Instability in Breast Cancer |
Jun-2009 |
29 pages |
| Authors:
Courtney A Lovejoy; VANDERBILT UNIV NASHVILLE TN
|
| The DNA damage response (DDR) functions as a tumorigenesis barrier. It is activated in precancerous lesions, potentially as a consequence of aberrant DNA replication. The genetic alterations that create this genomic instability are poorly defined. Using a functional genomic screen in human cells we identified seventy-four genes that when silenced by RNAi activate the DDR. Using a series of secondary assays we determined that many have DNA replication-associated genome maintenance ... |
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| Regulation and Action of SKP2 in Cell and Tumor Models: Mechanisms Underlying Aggressive Growth in Basel-Like Breast Cancer |
Jun-2009 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Katerina Fagan-Solis; MASSACHUSETTS UNIV AMHERST
|
| The objective of this research is to further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the aggressive growth of estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, basal-like breast tumors. My goal is to determine if SKP2 is a viable new therapeutic target to specifically treat patients who have tumors that are independent of ER signaling. The most significant finding during this research period is that SKP2 protein was expressed in 60% (21 of 35) ... |
|
| Advances in Breast Cancer Therapy |
Jun-2009 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Holly Gallion; PRECISION THERAPEUTICS INC PITTSBURGH PA
|
| PTI has received WIRB approval and the University of Pittsburgh IRB approval for this study. PTI has engaged 19 research sites in this research and four contracts have been successfully negotiated and executed. Another six research sites are determining clinical and budgetary feasibility. Pending the approval of the DoD and the WIRB of this first set of research sites submitted for approval, it is anticipated we will have the first ... |
|
| Development of a Computer-aided Diagnosis System for Early Detection of Masses Using Retrospectively Detected Cancers on Prior Mammograms |
Jun-2009 |
128 pages |
| Authors:
Jun Wei; Wendy M Kohrt; L M Glode; Robert S Schwartz; Daniel W Barry; MICHIGAN UNIV ANN ARBOR
|
| The performance of a CAD system for subtle lesions is generally much lower than their performance for less subtle lesions. The goal of this project is to develop a CAD system using advanced computer vision techniques aiming at improved detection of retrospectively seen cancers on prior mammograms and incorporate the developed CAD system into our current CAD system. During the project years, we have performed the following tasks: (1) collect ... |
|
| High-Content FRET-FLIM Screening in Inhibitors of Oncogenic Transcription by C-Myc in Breast Cancer |
Jun-2009 |
31 pages |
| Authors:
David Andrews; Linda Penn; MCMASTER UNIV HAMILTON (ONTARIO)
|
| To develop a novel high content screen to identify inhibitors that block Myc:TRRAP interaction, in the first year of this project we constructed several fluorescent fusion protein constructs of Myc and TRRAP, and evaluated their ability to bind and engage in fluorescence energy transfer (FRET) in vivo. All year-one tasks were completed in the first year of the grant. During the second year we discovered that expression of Myc-CFP was ... |
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| Elucidating Mechanisms of Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor Action and Resistance in Breast Cancer by Bioluminescence Imaging |
Jun-2009 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
David Piwnica-Worms; Ken Blumer; WASHINGTON UNIV ST LOUIS MO
|
| Prenyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs & GGTIs) block post-translational processing of Ras-like GTPases that have key roles in breast cancer. However, FTIs have yet to be used widely in breast cancer therapy because it is not yet possible to identify patients likely to be FTI-sensitive or to use combinatorial therapy to broaden the spectrum of patients that respond to FTIs. A new lentiviral-based prenylation responsive bioluminescence reporter system has been constructed and ... |
|
| Mechanistic Basis of Calmodulin Mediated Estrogen Receptor Alpha Activation and Antiestrogen Resistance |
Jun-2009 |
42 pages |
| Authors:
Jeffrey L Urbauer; Ramona J Bieber-Urbauer; Carrie E Jolly; GEORGIA UNIV RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC ATHENS
|
| Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) is the principle chemotherapeutic target for estrogen dependent breast cancers. Calmodulin (CaM) is an obligatory ERalpha activator. Moreover, antiestrogens (tamoxifen) bind tightly to CaM, and some therapeutic benefits of antiestrogens for breast cancers are hypothesized to derive from this interaction. The purpose and scope of the research is to define the structural requisites of ERalpha activation by CaM and the relationship between tamoxifen binding to CaM, ... |
|
| Targeting Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription-3 (STAT3) as a Novel Strategy in Sensitizing Breast Cancer to EGFR-Targeted Therapy |
Jun-2009 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Hui-Wen Lo; DUKE UNIV DURHAM NC
|
| Our research effort in the past award year has resulted in several interesting findings that support the study hypothesis: deregulated EGFR and STAT3 pathways synergistically contribute to the malignant biology of breast cancer and that combined uses of anti-EGFR and anti- STAT3 treatments result in significantly increased breast cancer cell death compared to single agent treatments. First, we have created isogenic breast cancer cell lines to stably express modestly activated ... |
|
| Regulatory T Cells and Host Anti-CML Responses |
Jun-2009 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Wong; K K Jr; CITY OF HOPE BECKMAN RESEARCH INST DUARTE CA
|
| CD4+CD25+FoxP-3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) suppress immune responses to 'self' antigens, but also have been shown to suppress host anti-tumor responses in several human malignancies, including breast, gastrointestinal, and ovarian cancer. Identification of CML Tregs as suppressors of host anti-CML responses could have a significant impact upon CML treatment strategies. Methods are currently available to selectively suppress Tregs and subsequently boost host anti-CML responses. We have examined the CD4+CD25+FoxP-3+ regulatory T-cell ... |
|
| Annexin II Dependent Mechanism of Breast Cancer Progression |
Jun-2009 |
33 pages |
| Authors:
Mahesh C Sharma; DREXEL UNIV COLL OF MEDICINE PHILADELPHIA PA
|
| It has been recognized for decades that growth and development of breast cancer is dependent on angiogenesis (1). Weidener et al reported that microvessel density (either count or grade serves as a measure of tumor angiogenesis) in invasive breast carcinoma is associated with metastasis and, thus, may be a prognostic indicator (2,3). Increase in tumor microvasculature not only allows for rapid growth of tumors but may also provide the means ... |
|
| Endocrine Therapy of Breast Cancer |
Jun-2009 |
90 pages |
| Authors:
Robert Clarke; GEORGETOWN UNIV WASHINGTON DC
|
| A controversy in the treatment of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancers is whether an aromatase inhibitor, e.g., letrozole (LET) or TAM should be given as first line endocrine therapy. Unfortunately, response rates are lower, and response durations are shorter, on crossover than when these agents are given as first line therapies, e.g., 40% of tumors show cross resistance to TAM or an aromatase inhibitor on crossover. Only 50% of ... |
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| Enhancing the Efficacy of Chemotherapeutic Breast Cancer Treatment with Nonanticoagulant Heparins |
14-May-2009 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Shaker A Mousa; Patricia G Phillips; ALBANY COLL OF PHARMACY NY
|
| Studies with mice bearing MCF7-WT xenografts demonstrate that encapsulation of Dox, whether in targeted or non-targeted PLGA nanoparticles, improved anti-tumor efficacy in comparison to un-encapsulated Dox. In animals bearing MCF7-R (Dox-resistant) tumors, administration of Dox encapsulated in alphavbeta-targeted nanoparticles or of Dox with nonanticoagulant heparin (NACH) are potent strategies for overcoming Dox resistance in animals bearing these aggressive human breast tumors. HPLC analyses of tumors and tissues from animals bearing ... |
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| Modification of Tamoxifen Effectiveness by Gene Polymorphisms and Other Drugs |
May-2009 |
43 pages |
| Authors:
Thomas P Ahern; TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIV MA
|
| In the first year of his predoctoral award, Thomas Ahern completed all coursework and qualifying examinations required for entry into the senior phase of doctoral study for the Doctor of Science degree in epidemiology at Boston University. Mr. Ahern submitted a dissertation research proposal to the Epidemiology Doctoral Committee in May 2008; the proposal was formally approved in October 2008. Mr. Ahern completed and published one of the three studies ... |
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| Optimizing and Evaluating an Integrated SPECT-CmT System Dedicated to Improved 3-D Breast Cancer Imaging |
May-2009 |
64 pages |
| Authors:
Dominic J Crotty; DUKE UNIV DURHAM NC
|
| The overall objective of this research is to optimize the development of a combined dual-modality single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and x-ray computed mammotomography (CmT) system for the earlier detection and staging of breast cancer, improving surgical biopsy guidance, and the monitoring of patient therapy response. Co-registered acquisition of emission (nuclear) and transmission (x-ray) data using both 3D imaging modalities in a common field of view may aid to ... |
|
| Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening Among Latinas in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region |
May-2009 |
27 pages |
| Authors:
Jose A Pagan; PAN AMERICAN UNIV EDINBURG TX
|
| The purpose of this project is to establish a research and training collaborative partnership between the Institute for Population Health Policy (IPHP) at the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (LDI) at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). Our objectives and scope are: to develop a competitive and successful breast cancer research program that focuses in cancer control and population sciences at UTPA; to ... |
|
| O-GlcNAc Misregulation and Aneuploidy in Breast Cancer |
May-2009 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
Adam Mueller; VIRGINIA UNIV CHARLOTTESVILLE
|
| We examined the effects of siRNA depletion of Early Mitotic Inhibitor 1(Emi1) with O-GlcNAc transferase(OGT) and O-GlcNAcase(NCOAT) on re-replication and found a modest increase in rereplication with NCOAT/Emi1 knockdown. By western analysis our knockdown has been modest, and we have further optimization of the siRNA conditions to perform. We have identified a set of microRNAs whose expression are regulated by DNA damage in breast cancer, including miR-29c, which has been ... |
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| System Design, Algorithm Development, and Verification for Optoacoustic Molecular Imaging of Protease Expression in Breast Cancer |
May-2009 |
45 pages |
| Authors:
Dimple Modgil; CHICAGO UNIV IL
|
| Optoacoustic tomography (OAT) is an emerging, hybrid technique that is non-invasive and uses non-ionizing radiation. No one has yet developed a molecular probe for early detection of proteases in breast cancer using OAT. Our group is developing a molecular probe and an optoacoustic imaging system to address this. During the first year of this project, we have implemented the code that simulates the ideal optoacoustic system. We have compared existing ... |
|
| Vaccination of High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients with Carbohydrate Mimicking Peptides |
May-2009 |
495 pages |
| Authors:
Thomas Kieber-Emmons; ARKANSAS UNIV AT LITTLE ROCK MEDICAL CENTER
|
| The expression of the Tumor Associated Carbohydrate Antigens such as the neolactoseries antigen Lewis Y (LeY) and gangliosides such as GM2 and GD2/GD3 are amplified on breast cancer cells and is linked to poor prognosis and high risk of disease relapse. Immunotherapy to direct responses to TACA is, therefore, perceived to be of clinical benefit. To overcome this deficiency, we developed mimotopes of TACA to induce more robust cross-reactive and ... |
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| Inclusion of Minority Patients in Breast Cancer Clinical Trials: The Role of the Clinical Trial Environment |
May-2009 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
Celia P Kaplan; CALIFORNIA UNIV SAN FRANCISCO
|
| Clinical trials are the primary vehicle for transforming laboratory discoveries in breast cancer care into clinical practice. Enhanced participation by minorities in these trials is necessary to assess the effectiveness of advances in breast cancer care among major subpopulations and to ensure equity in the distribution of research benefits. However, minority participation in clinical trials will likely remain low without research designed to understand the reasons for limited participation. To ... |
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| The Impact of Stress on Tumor Growth; the Significance of Peripheral Corticotropin Releasing Factor |
May-2009 |
28 pages |
| Authors:
Christos Tsatsanis; CRETE UNIV HERAKLION
|
| Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) is the major mediator of hypothalamic response to stress. CRF has been detected not only in the central nervous system but also in peripheral tissues and organs and in sympathetic neurons. Even though systemic stress has been reported to affect cancer cell growth primarily due to suppression of the immune response against cancer cells, no information was available on the impact of peripheral CRF on breast ... |
|
| Innovative Microsystems: Novel Nanostructures to Capture Circulating Breast Cancer Cells |
May-2009 |
45 pages |
| Authors:
Yitshak Zohar; James C Baygents; Roberto Guzman; Ronald L Heimark; Joyce A Schroeder; ARIZONA UNIV TUCSON
|
| The goal of this project is to develop a microsystem for sorting metastatic breast cancer cells from a heterogeneous suspension of cells circulating in the blood stream. Conceptually, the technique requires the transformation of a distinguishing biochemical characteristic of the target cells, such as up-regulated cadherin phenotype, into a mechanical or electrical that makes it possible to selectively manipulate the cells on the microscale. The project includes developments of a ... |
|
| Dietary Fat, Eicosanoids and Breast Cancer Risk |
01-Apr-2009 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Susan Raatz; MINNESOTA UNIV MINNEAPOLIS
|
| Epidemiological and animal studies associate high levels of dietary fat with increased risk of sex. hormone mediated cancer, such as breast cancer. A high intake of total fat and omega-6 fatty acids increases risk while omega-3 (n3) fatty acids are associated with risk reduction. Our proposal is testing the effect of dietary fat and fatty acids on sex hormone concentrations in post-menopausal women. The objectives are to evaluate 1)the effects ... |
|
| The Role of Estrogen-Related Receptor Alpha in Steroidogenesis in the Breast |
01-Apr-2009 |
75 pages |
| Authors:
Linda Grasfeder; DUKE UNIV DURHAM NC
|
| This project has focused on the potential role of Estrogen-Related Receptor alpha (ERRalpha) in regulating steroidogenesis. ERRalpha is an orphan nuclear receptor closely related to the Estrogen Receptors (ERs), and while its expression correlates with unfavorable biomarkers and poor prognosis for breast cancer, its function in breast cancer biology is not known. This project was initiated because we observed that a primary coactivator of ERRalpha, PGC-1alpha, induces hepatic gene expression ... |
|
| Multidisciplinary Biomarkers of Early Mammary Carcinogenesis |
01-Apr-2009 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Julie Ostrander; DUKE UNIV DURHAM NC
|
| The purpose of the proposed research is to develop novel optical technologies to identify high-risk premalignant changes in the breast. Our proposed research will first test specific optical parameters in breast cancer cell lines and models of early mammary carcinogenesis, and then develop methods to test the optical parameters in random periareolar fine needle aspirate (RPFNA) samples from women at high-risk for developing breast cancer. Over the last year, we ... |
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Reports by Keyword(s)
*BREAST CANCER
