Rapid In Vivo Validation of Tumor Suppressor Gene Function in Prostate Cancer Progression

Abstract

More elderly men die with prostate cancer than from prostate cancer. However, it is currently not possible to precisely determine which prostate tumors are life-threatening and require immediate clinical attention and which could be closely monitored with minimal treatment. Lethal prostate cancers harbor dozens of mutations in genes that could be important biomarkers for discriminating lethal from indolent disease. To analyze which subset of these genes actually contributes to lethal prostate cancer when mutated, a living model system to access each gene one-by-one would greatly facilitate discovery and breakthroughs in prostate cancer research. Our innovative proposal brings together cutting-edge animal modeling methods and genome-editing technology in a way that has not previously been employed. The successful development and implementation of our novel method will set the stage to distinguish which mutant genes are mere passengers in the prostate cancer genome from those that drive lethal and metastatic disease.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Apr 04, 2016
Source ID
W81XWH1510085

Entities

People

  • David M Feldser

Organizations

  • United States Army
  • University of Pennsylvania

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular and genetic basis of cancer.
  • Oncology
  • Prostate Cancer Biology.