Overview
Topic status: In progress
Circulating (serum) levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are significantly increased in peri-and post-menopausal women, when most breast cancer are diagnosed. Studies in our laboratory have revealed that FSH stimulates the tumourigenic behaviour of breast cancer cells, however the signal transduction pathway(s) initiated by FSH is unknown. Several signal transduction pathway inhibitors are currently in Phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of breast cancer. We propose that evaluating the signaling pathway stimulated by FSH may reveal a suitable inhibitor to regulate FSH-driven breast cancer. This project will investigate the effects of FSH on the expression of signaling molecules by both normal and breast cancer cells.
Research activities
Cell culture of normal breast and breast cancer cells treated with FSH will provide protein lysates for Western blot analyses for signal transduction molecules.
Expected outcomes
By undertaking this project, the VRES will become skilled in the techniques of human cell culture and protein detection by Western blot analysis. The student will also have an opportunity to attend research seminars and meetings at hospitals and our collaborating research laboratories.
Duration of project
8 weeks: 2 weeks in December and 6 weeks in January – February 2012
- Study level
- Vacation research experience scholarship
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
- Please contact the supervisor for enquiries.
Dr Eliza Whiteside
Dr Inga Mertens-Walker
Dr Inge Seim
Associate Professor Lisa Chopin
