Role of profilins in MET receptor signalling in colorectal cancer

Tumorigenesis and metastasis require constant stimulation of cells by growth factors. In colorectal cancer (CRC), the second most common cancer in Canada, such growth signal is primarily provided by a factor called hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) that acts on its receptor MET. Alongside growth stimulation, escape from cell death is crucial to cancer cell survival and disease progression. Recently, we have shown that some pro-cell death enzymes remaining active in cancer resistance cells stimulate MET survival activity by cleaving essential proteins (named profilins) involved in MET activity, thus, challenging a vital dogma in the field. Our central objective is to define how these enzymes enhance MET signalling in CRC cells. This project aims to 1) define the role of two profilin proteins in MET activity CRC cells, 2) develop a model cell devoid of these two profilins, and 3) explore the role of these profilins in the activity by other growth factors. Our findings are likely applicable to other types of cancer.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jean-Bernard Denault

Student:

Partner:

École nationale supérieure de chimie de Montpellier

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Sherbrooke

Program: