Exploring the Characteristics of Spy1 Overexpression in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Challenges Theme
Building Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Lisa Porter
Proposal
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a type of brain cancer that develops from glial cells which provide support to the nerve cells. It is highly malignant and common, accounting for more than 60% of all brain tumors in adults with an average prognosis of 15 months.(WHO, 2016) A cell cycle regulator protein, Spy1, has been found to be highly expressed in GBM. Spy1 is an unusual cell cycle protein because it can overpass the normal cell-cycle checkpoints. In cancers such as GBM it may contribute to runaway proliferation and tumour progression. Elevated levels of Spy1 have been implicated in poor prognosis in GBM patients. This study aims to characterise the role of Spy1 protein in GBM using a mouse model of glioma known as GL261. This cell line contains several molecular alterations characteristic of human gliomas. Prior to implantation, GL261 cells were infected with lentivirus to overexpress Spy1. We aim to compare the features of the Spy1 overexpressed tumors with control tumors to determine whether increased Spy1 expression correlates with more severe pathological features. In addition, we aim to perform drug trials on Spy1-manipulated GL261 cell lines in vitro in order to assay for connections between Spy1 status and therapy effectiveness. Together, the results will contribute to better understanding of Spy1 in established brain tumours in vivo and future identification of potential therapeutic strategies.
Exploring the Characteristics of Spy1 Overexpression in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a type of brain cancer that develops from glial cells which provide support to the nerve cells. It is highly malignant and common, accounting for more than 60% of all brain tumors in adults with an average prognosis of 15 months.(WHO, 2016) A cell cycle regulator protein, Spy1, has been found to be highly expressed in GBM. Spy1 is an unusual cell cycle protein because it can overpass the normal cell-cycle checkpoints. In cancers such as GBM it may contribute to runaway proliferation and tumour progression. Elevated levels of Spy1 have been implicated in poor prognosis in GBM patients. This study aims to characterise the role of Spy1 protein in GBM using a mouse model of glioma known as GL261. This cell line contains several molecular alterations characteristic of human gliomas. Prior to implantation, GL261 cells were infected with lentivirus to overexpress Spy1. We aim to compare the features of the Spy1 overexpressed tumors with control tumors to determine whether increased Spy1 expression correlates with more severe pathological features. In addition, we aim to perform drug trials on Spy1-manipulated GL261 cell lines in vitro in order to assay for connections between Spy1 status and therapy effectiveness. Together, the results will contribute to better understanding of Spy1 in established brain tumours in vivo and future identification of potential therapeutic strategies.