Functional Tests of PODXL’s Contributions to Tumorigenesis

Don Wojchowski, Ph.D., Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Portland

The significance of this MCF-funded project lies in its prime aim to test whether inhibition of the cancer cell surface marker PODXL lessens tumorigenesis. Significance also is broad, and elevated PODXL expression recently has been associated with seven aggressive cancers. PODXL’s roles in tumorigenesis will be tested in two cancer models, epithelial breast carcinoma and acute myelogenous leukemia. Investigations may advance PODXL as a diagnostic/prognostic marker of breast and blood cancer progression; may provide new insight into how PODXL worsens cancer progression; and may lead to the design of PODXL inhibitors as new anti-cancer agents.

Improved Cancer Detection though the use of Engineered Nanoparticle Bioconjugates

Michael Mason, Ph.D., University of Maine, Orono

Accurate and early tumor localization is critical in determining the course of treatment for patients with cancer. However, small or low density tumors are often difficult to distinguish from normal tissues, and hence not observed by imaging studies such as MRI or CT (x-ray). This project involves the development of a new class of cancer identifying agents (pancreas and liver) based on chemically modified metal nanoparticles labeled with bio-active molecules. These particles are non-toxic, can specifically seek out cancer cells and, though only a few billionths of a meter across, generate very strong CT signals.

Role of MicroRNA-10b in Neurofibromatosis Type I Tumorigenesis and Progression

Xijie Yu, Ph.D., Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health, Brewer

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndrome that occurs in about 1:3500 live births. NF1 individuals are at high risk of developing benign and malignant tumors, such as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). The prognosis for patients with MPNST is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of just 34%. Thus new, effective therapies are urgently needed. We have found that a small intracellular regulator molecule, miRNA-10b, was dramatically increased in cells and tumor tissues from MPNST. We hypothesize that miRNA-10b is critical for the development of MPNST. The purpose of the proposed studies is to inhibit miRNA-10b in MPNST cells and determine if it can reduce tumor formation. This proposal will help determine the role of miR-10b in the development of MPNST. miRNA-10b may represent a diagnostic marker and a target for prevention and treatment of MPNST in NF1.

Predicting Quality of Life Outcomes after Prostate Cancer Treatment

Amy Haskins, Ph.D., Maine Medical Center, Portland

Decisions about prostate cancer treatment are difficult because of the risks of developing sexual and urinary problems. Using data from Maine’s largest prostate cancer center, we will develop and validate risk models that will predict the risks of sexual and urinary problems for a specific patient, based on his age, weight, prostate size, and other clinical characteristics. This would translate to a “clinical prediction tool” which would allow clinicians to give patients personalized estimates of what to expect after various treatment options. Predicting individual outcomes would provide prostate cancer patients with valuable information on which to base treatment decisions

Validating S100A6 as a Novel Marker and Potential Therapeutic Target of Brain Cancer Stem Cells

Kyuson Yun, Ph.D., Jackson Lab, Bar Harbor