The exosome-mediated role of plasma gelsolin in modulating macrophage functions in chemoresistant ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OVCA) causes more death than any female cancer in the world. Although patients respond to treatment initially, 70% of them relapse and do not succumb to treatment. Up-to-date, there is no established treatment for such patients. There is therefore the need to investigate the tumor microenvironment for novel targets to enhance treatment. Although immune cells help to kill cancer cells, there is a population (M2 macrophage) that produces soluble factors to enhance tumor growth and chemo-resistance. We have previously shown that OVCA patients that do not respond to treatment produce increased levels of a protein, plasma gelsolin (pGSN). Although we have shown that this pGSN kills tumor-killing immune cells, we have yet to demonstrate whether pGSN enhances the functions of M2 macrophage. Investigating if and how pGSN enhances the functions of M2 macrophage will lead to novel targets that could be exploited to enhance patient survival.

Faculty Supervisor:

Benjamin Tsang

Student:

Partner:

University of Fukui (Matsuoka Campus)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Pharmaceuticals; Biotechnology

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: