Probing Androgen Receptor Signaling in Circulating Tumor Cells in Prostate Cancer
Abstract
This Physician Research Training Award supports a mentored training program integrated with a research project focused on the study of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in prostate cancer patients using a microfluidic device (CTC-chip) to isolate CTCs from peripheral blood samples. During this award, we have developed a quantitative immunofluorescence assay to measure AR activity in single CTCs in patients with metastatic prostate cancer receiving treatment with hormonal therapy. We have also developed methods for single CTC RNA-seq and digital gene expression profiling, and have applied these techniques to single CTCs. We have analyzed single cell transcriptomes to reveal the heterogeneity of CTCs, and to identify key genes and molecular pathways enriched in CTCs that may contribute to treatment resistance in prostate cancer, including the noncanonical Wnt pathway. Finally, this Award has enabled the protection of time for research and mentored training of the PI to continue his development towards a productive independent career in translational prostate cancer research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1020622
Entities
People
- David T. Miyamoto
Organizations
- Massachusetts General Hospital