Supervisor:
Program of Study:
MSc, Human Biology
Project Title:
Metabolomic and proteomic investigation into the cellular responses to serine biosynthesis pathway manipulation in breast cancer
Lay Research Summary:
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is one of the deadliest breast cancer subtypes. This is because they don’t express the usual proteins that are targeted for drug therapy. Therefore, targeting the metabolism of breast cancer cells is necessary for the treatment of TNBCs. The availability of the amino acid serine is crucial to the growth and metabolism of many breast cancers. Thus, serine deprivation can decrease breast cancer cell proliferation. Some breast cancers can subvert this effect by making their own serine. Blocking this ability to make serine in combination with a serine-reduced diet, may be a promising treatment strategy. However, the specific mechanism behind how breast cancer cells decide to make their own serine is still underexplored. For my project, I have examined the response of cancer cells to serine deprivation and its biosynthesis inhibition. This research can enhance understanding of breast cancer metabolism leading to better treatment methods.
Location:
University of Prince Edward Island