Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2006

Mentor: Hiromi Yanagisawa, M.D., Ph.D.
Department: Molecular Biology
Room number: NA5.320
Mail Code: 9148
Phone number: 214-648-7723
E-mail: hiromi.yanagisawa@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Regulation of tumor angiogenesis by fibulin-5

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 0942-06-04-1

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects) animal-based, basic

Brief Description of Project:

Remodeling of the extracellular matrix protein (ECM) is a critical event during neovascularization and metastasis associated with tumor progression. Members of the matrix metalloprotease (MMP) family, including MMP2 and MMP9 are principal mediators of the degradation of ECM and have been shown to promote tumor invasion and angiogenesis. We have recently observed that MMP9 interacts with fibulin-5, a secreted glycoprotein produced in vascular cells, and absence of fibulin-5 attenuates tumor growth and angiogenesis in orthotopic and subcutaneous models of pancreatic cancer. The goal of this project is to 1) characterize the vascular phenotype of fibulin-5-null mice, 2) establish a biochemical basis for MMP9 regulation mediated by fibulin-5, and 3) investigate the in vivo interaction of MMP9 and fibulin-5 and its impact on tumor development.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

None

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