Project Title: Identification of cellular localization and binding partners of estrogen non-genomic receptors in an Inflammatory Breast Cancer in vitro model.
Research overview. Stemming from the urgent need to increase the survival rate of patients with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, the role of estrogen non-signaling in Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) will be evaluated. The development and progression of IBC is complex, and the contribution of estrogen non-genomic signaling in TNBC-IBC has been associated with the aggressive progression of IBC, but the specific molecular mechanism is still elusive. Therapeutic strategies have been adopted from non-IBC breast cancers and even though outcomes have been improved for HER2-positive and hormonal receptor IBC, prognosis for triple-negative (TN) subtype IBCs (ER-/PR-/HER2-) is still dire. Currently, estrogen non-genomic signaling has been associated with progression, motility, and invasion of TN breast cancer and most recently of IBC. Our goal is to elucidate the functional role of estrogen signaling in IBCs. To achieve this, a series of mechanistic studies will be performed to: (1) identify binding partners of estrogen non-genomic receptors, (2) determine the cellular localization of each receptor, and (3) validate RNA-seq results using qRT-PCR, and siRNA methodologies to knockdown estrogen target genes and to see the effects on IBC aggressive phenotype. The overall goal is to achieve a better understanding of the molecular signature of IBC and exploit this knowledge to identify novel therapeutic targets.
Skills/Techniques: PR-CLIMB participants will be immersed in techniques including three-dimensional cell culture models, protein expression and interaction assays including Western blot, siRNA, Co-Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spec, Proximate Ligation Assay (PLA), and protein cellular localization by immunofluorescence.
Skills/Techniques: PR-CLIMB participants will be immersed in techniques including three-dimensional cell culture models, protein expression and interaction assays including Western blot, siRNA, Co-Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spec, Proximate Ligation Assay (PLA), and protein cellular localization by immunofluorescence.
To contact Dr. Esther A. Peterson you can write to the address below
E-mail: [email protected]
Also visit her lab website: http://epetersonbreastcancerlab.weebly.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Also visit her lab website: http://epetersonbreastcancerlab.weebly.com