The Influence of Neuronal Activity on Breast Tumor Metastasis to the Brain

Abstract

In this grant we aim to use our insights gained in the study of developmental neuroscience to affect breast tumor metastasis to the brain. Specifically, we are focusing on our finding that synaptic plasticity is dependent on the remodeling of the extracellular matrix and that this remodeling is elicited by the altered activity of neurons. Because breast tumor metastasis is sensitive to the extracellular environment we believe that by altering neuronal activity we could also affect breast tumor metastasis to the brain. Significant progress during this reporting period includes the establishment and characterization of a model of breast tumor metastasis to the brain in the mouse and the testing of a neurological stimulant in curtailing breast tumor brain metastasis. Our preliminary data suggests that stimulants may affect the ability of circulating cells to enter and grow within the central nervous system.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA513293

Entities

People

  • Anna K. Majewska
  • Edward B Brown

Organizations

  • University of Rochester

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Blood
  • Blood Vessels
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Cell Line
  • Cells
  • Department Of Defense
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Medical Personnel
  • Neoplasms
  • Neurons
  • Neurosciences

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Neuroscience
  • Oncology (Cancer Research).