Role of ROS regulation by Hace1 in modulating “stemness” versus differentiation of stem cells

The Sorensen laboratory-based Childhood Cancer Research Program is specifically focused on elucidating the genetic and biological determinants of the metastatic process in childhood cancer. Metastatic disease remains the single most dominant driver of adverse outcome in most childhood cancers, particularly in childhood sarcomas. Cancer stem cells, malignant cells that share many characteristics with normal stem cells, have been implicated to have a central role in the metastatic process. The function of cancer stem cells is potentially regulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the Hace1 tumour suppressor protein, a regulator of cellular ROS levels. This internship will use embryonic and induced pluripotent cell lines as a model to study how Hace1 regulates ROS levels, thereby affecting the function of cancer stem cells. It is hoped that this study will elucidate key processes that govern cancer stem cell function, leading to a greater understanding of tumour metastasis and laying the foundation to therapies that target metastatic disease.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Poul Sorensen

Student:

Tina Yang

Partner:

Team Finn Foundation

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Pharmaceuticals

University:

University of British Columbia