Supervisor:
Dr. Greg Fairn
Program of Study:
Masters, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Project Title:
Investigating the loss of ZDHHC11 expression and function as a contributor to hepatocellular carcinoma
Lay Research Summary:
Excess calorie consumption can result in diabetes and obesity. When fats accumulate in the liver, this can result in fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and ultimately, liver cancer, necessitating surgery and possible liver transplantation. The storage and mobilization of fats in the liver are critical for its function, but they are also critical processes that are impaired in these liver diseases. My project focuses on two related proteins, ATGL and ADPN, that influence the turnover and utilization of fats in the liver. Specifically, we have found that another protein, ZDHHC11, regulates ATGL activity. In tumor samples from patients with liver cancer, we find that ZDHHC11 is no longer present and that in the absence of ZDHHC11, ATGL is no longer functional. My studies will determine why ZDHHC11 is lost in liver cancer and if ADPN is also regulated by ZDHHC11.
Location:
Dalhousie University