Validation of the biochemical activity of SSAT-1 in cancer biopsies

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide with approximately 8 million deaths in 2010. Most cancer treatments lack specificity and affect the whole body, with toxic effects on both cancerous and normal cells. Then, there is a need for an early diagnostic test to treat patients before the development of cancer. Biomark Technologies Inc. has found that the expression levels of the gene coding for the protein SSAT-1, which is involved in basic metabolism, is up-regulated in cancer cells. In this project, human cancer biopsies from different tissues (e.g. brain, prostate, breast, and lung) will be analyzed biochemically to validate the up-regulation of SSAT-1 in cancer cells. This test can be used for monitoring population at risk (e.g. smokers) as well as patients after cancer treatment. Then, the use of this test will benefit not only patients with cancer but also will alleviate the burden to the Health Authorities by reducing the need for invasive techniques as a pre-screening. Results of this project are necessary before an extensive clinical trial for the test development planned by the company.

Faculty Supervisor:

Horacio Bach

Student:

Partner:

BioMark Technologies Inc (Richmond, BC)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: