The Role of CDK2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Abstract
This proposal examines one of the Fiscal Year 2015 Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program Topic Areas (Liver Cancer) and addresses two Military Relevance Focus Areas. The incidence of the most common liver cancer, called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is rapidly increasing in the Veterans population, and current treatment options are very limited. In addition, risk factors that contribute to the development of HCC commonly occur in military Veterans including hepatitis C, alcoholism, obesity, and fatty liver. In this study, we will use mouse models to study how a protein called "cyclin-dependent kinase 2" (cdk2) promotes liver cancer. We have done preliminary experiments showing that mice lacking cdk2 in their liver are highly protected against HCC. We therefore believe that cdk2 plays a very important role in the development of HCC. The experiments supported by this proposal will allow us to examine the actions of cdk2 that contribute to HCC. By better understanding the mechanisms involved, we hope that these studies will aid in the development of treatments of HCC that are directed towards cdk2 and related proteins. We believe that our studies defining cdk2 as an important protein in HCC development will also advance the efforts of other researchers in this field. This is basic laboratory research, and the results will not directly affect patient care. However, we hope that the principles developed in these studies will contribute to new treatments that will benefit patients with HCC. The results of our studies will integrate with efforts from laboratories around the world to develop new treatments for this cancer. Under the best of circumstances, it would probably take at least 5-10 years to create new therapies based on this research. Thus, the benefit to members of the military and Veterans communities is not direct, but by advancing the field of HCC research, we hope to contribute to the care of patients with this cancer in the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 2017
- Source ID
- W81XWH1610312
Entities
People
- Jeffrey Albrecht
Organizations
- Minneapolis VA Medical Center
- United States Army