Why We Funded It:
Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that cause the
development of prostate cancer, the spread of the cancer and the
development of drug-resistance are crucial for the future
development of effective drugs. Men with advanced prostate cancer
have limited options for treatment, and we know that not all
cancers respond in the same way to treatments, so establishing
these details will pave the way for development of better,
individualised treatment of prostate cancers.
Scientific Title: Synergistic interaction
between Sprouty2 loss and PI3K/AKT activation in prostate
carcinogenesis.
Research project summary:
This project will use clinical prostate cancer specimens and an
animal model system to study the molecules Sprouty2 and PI3/AKT,
how they work together to cause aggressive prostate cancer and its
spread (metastasis), and how the cancer ultimately develops
resistance to hormone treatments. Better understanding of this
critical topic in prostate cancer will allow us to develop better
treatment. Studying the activity levels of these molecules will be
used to establish if abnormal activity levels are linked to
aggressive or treatment-resistant prostate cancer. In addition, the
team plan to use a mouse model to specifically test how these
molecules work alone and together to cause and promote prostate
cancer. This study will provide new insights into how prostate
cancer develops and progresses, the team also aim to address how to
better target treatments for individuals, and "group" patients
according to the activity of these molecules and the aggressiveness
of disease to determine the most appropriate treatment.
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