2007 Annual Report

Chromosome Changes =
Changes in Tumor Type
>> Changes in the chromosomal content (e.g., number of
copies of each chromosome) of tumor cells occur when the
cell switches from a type that simply multiplies to one that
aggressively spreads. (Vande Woude Lab - Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences U.S.A.)
Insights into Cell Movement
>> The “skeletons” of cells change to facilitate several different
processes. The dynamics of these structures, controlled by the
protein mDia2, contribute to the movement of vesicles (storage and
transportation vehicles) within the cell. (Alberts Lab - Experimental
Cell Research)
>>
While prostate cancer cells need the enzyme PI-3K to
survive, normal prostate cells do not. (Miranti Lab -
Molecular Biology of the Cell)
“Our study confirms the therapeutic potential;
PI-3K is important because we now know that
therapeutics that target this enzyme could kill
tumor cells without having a negative effect on
normal cells.”
—Cindy Miranti, Ph.D., Scientific Investigator
>> Naturally occurring cellular protein DIP can trigger
“blebbing” – cell bubbling that has recently been linked to
the development of secondary tumors away from the primary
cancer site. (Alberts Lab - Current Biology)
“We now have a mechanism that we can target with
drugs aimed at interfering with cancer metastasis;
currently, no anti-cancer therapies block this critical
step in the malignancy process.”
—Art Alberts, Ph.D., Senior Scientific Investigator
Diagnostic Discoveries
>> A potential biomarker for prostate cancer could help avoid
unnecessary biopsies: thrombospondin-1. Higher levels of this
protein are found in patients with benign prostatic disease; the
opposite is true for patients with prostate cancer. (Haab Lab - The
Prostate)
Van Andel Research Institute