Project 170393

Novel tumour cell interactions in bone

170393

Novel tumour cell interactions in bone

$315,643
Project Information
Study Type: Other Basic_Science
Therapeutic Area: Psychiatry
Research Theme: Biomedical
Disease Area: neuropsychiatric disorders involving monoamine neurotransmitters
Institution & Funding
Principal Investigator(s): Ghert, Michelle A
Co-Investigator(s): Popovic, Snezana; Singh, Gurmit
Institution: Juravinski Cancer Centre (Hamilton, ON)
CIHR Institute: Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis
Program: Operating Grant
Peer Review Committee: Clinical Investigation - B: Arthritis, Bone, Skin and Cartilage
Competition Year: 2008
Term: 3 yrs 0 mth
Abstract Summary

The skeleton is very important for daily activities such as walking and posture. It is hence important for quality of life for an individual. Cancers that primarily arise within the bone or that have spread to the bone can disrupt the architecture of the bone by altering the balance of bone formation and remodeling leading to overall bone destruction, pain and fracture. Giant Cell Tumour of bone is an aggressive bone tumour that typically affects young adults and requires extensive surgery for cure. Dr. Ghert's lab has done extensive research exploring the mechanisms involved in the destruction of bone by these tumours. The overall goal of Dr. Ghert's research is to develop effective targeted molecular treatment for cancers that affect bone in which bone formation and destruction are imbalanced.

Research Characteristics

This project includes the following research characteristics:

Regulatory Pathway
Comorbidity Focus
Knowledge Translation Focus
Biomarker Endpoints
Vulnerable Populations
Personalized Medicine
Study Justification

"study the role of monoamine neurotransmitters in neuropsychiatric disorders"

Novelty Statement

"identified molecules from the Akt/GSK3 signaling pathway as important mediators of dopamine and serotonin action on behavior"

Methodology Innovation

integrated approach using biochemical and behavioral characterization in genetic models

Keywords
Ap-1 Bone Cytokine Giant Cell Tumour Mmp-13 Runx2