The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in the Progression of Prostate Cancer
Abstract
My research aims to investigate how reactive oxygen species(ROS) induced
transcription factors NFKB, ATF-2 and RUNX-2 affect expression of 2OST. 2OST is a
sulfotransferase responsible for sulfation of the heparan sugar chain . Previous
unpublished research by our lab has made evident 2OST?s essential role in the
progression of prostate cancer. My lab noted a four -fold increase in the transcription
of 2OST between benign LNCAP cells and highly metastatic C42B cells; knocking out
2OST made cells less metastatic. Furthermore, the research noted increased
transcription of 2OST when the cell encountered hypoxic conditions. As prostate
cancer progresses dividing epithelial cells form a solid tumor, leaving the cells in the
innermost region of the tumor with a lack of oxygen and nutrients. HIF1a is a
transcription factor induced in response to a lack of oxygen. We have shown that in
conjunction with its heterodimer HIF1b,that HIF1abinds to the 2OST promoter and
turns on transcription of 2OST. This suggests that 2OST is turned on in response to hypoxic stress. ROS are a type of oxidative stress that we hypothesize will induce a
similar 2OST response. Functioning on the assumption that the cell will react similarly
to an equally stressful condition, I am investigating the effect of ROS induced
transcription factors on 2OST. Since 2OST is essential for the progression of prostate
cancer, it is now key to understand the factors which contribute to its over expression.
This understanding will help halt the progression of the disease as well as similar
cancers.
Citation
Mahdavi, Mozhdeh (2010). The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in the Progression of Prostate Cancer. Honors and Undergraduate Research. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2010 -05 -8152.