Ga15 as a novel prostate carcinoma oncogene and as a potential diagnostic/prognostic marker

Starting date
October 1, 2008
Duration (months)
24
Managers or local contacts
Colombatti Marco
Keyword
Prostatic carcinoma, Signal transduction, Diagnostic/Prognostic factor, Oncogene, Endocrine Tumor

Heterotrimeric G proteins signaling is instrumental to the development of many tumors, including prostate cancer. We hypothesize that the hematopoietic specific G15 protein is involved in prostate cancer development based on:
  • the presence of G15 a subunit in hyper-proliferating and malignant cells, but not in normal prostate;
  • G15 promiscuous coupling to many receptors including receptors involved in prostate cancer development;
  • G15 poorly regulated signaling properties makes it potentially capable of transducing chronic receptor stimulation;
  • Many oncogenic key-factors are also G15 downstream effectors.
We propose to:
  • evaluate G15 function in prostate cancer cells;
  • define Ga15 expression pattern during prostate cancer progression.
This research could contribute to explain the basis of androgen independent growth of prostate cancer, offer a novel target for pharmacological therapy, provide a novel biomarker for early diagnosis or a prognostic factor allowing more conservative surgical therapy.

Sponsors:

Funds: assigned and managed by the department

Project participants

Marco Colombatti
Giulio Innamorati
Technical-administrative staff
Guido Martignoni
Full Professor

Activities

Research facilities

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