Targeting GD3 Synthase (ST8SIA1) in GD2+Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells to Prevent Tumor Growth and Metastases in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Abstract
In this study, we aim to investigate the role of GD3 synthase (ST8SIA1 or GD3S) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)progression, especially in the regulation of cancer stem cell function. We have reported that Ganglioside GD2 and GD3S are overexpressed in TNBC cancer stem-like cells, and inhibition of GD3S expression or its activity hampers TNBC tumor growth and metastasis. During the first year of this study, we successfully obtained approvals for IRB, IBC, and IACUC (ACURO)protocols and recruited experienced postdoctoral fellows to work on this project. We have optimized different molecular methods for measuring GD2 and GD3S expression in primary tumor samples as well as stratifying TNBC patients into different subtypes based on their gene expression patterns. To target GD3S in cancer stem cells, we identified two FDA approved drugs using protein homology modeling and docking strategy. In addition, we identified specific mutations in the TP53 gene that regulate GD3S expression in breast cancer. We will validate these findings using animal models during the next phase of the study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1117687
Entities
People
- Venkata L. Battula
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin