The goal of this proposal to align the applicant's previous research expertise in computational modeling with cancer research, and help the applicant to acquire additional skills needed to direct an independent biomedical research laboratory utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to study cancer pathogenesis and develop cancer chemotherapy. The applicant will be mentored by Dr. Jay M. McDonald, an expert in the study of the role of calmodulin (CaM) as a signal transducer in many diseases including cancer pathogenesis. The training plan includes the proper combination of didactic coursework, experimental laboratory training, seminars and journal clubs and regular meetings with the mentor and Advisory Committee. The mentored training is essential for the applicant to accomplish the proposed research in cancer pathogenesis with combined computational and biological experimental approaches, and prepare the candidate to be competitive for future independent NIH funding applications in biomedicine. Cholangiocarcinoma is a fatal cancer and its rates have been rising worldwide over the past several decades. Regulation of Fas-mediated apoptosis is a promising approach to prevent cancer progression. The goal of this application is to understand Fas-mediated signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma by focusing on protein interactions underlying Fas-mediated death inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation from both structural and functional point of views. The hypothesis is that the direct interaction between CaM and Fas modulates apoptosis by regulating the formation of the DISC and represents a potential site for cancer chemotherapeutics. The hypothesis will be tested by pursuing two specific aims.
Each aim will employ both biophysical simulations and biochemical experiments.
Specific Aim 1. Determine the role of CaM/Fas binding in regulating Fas-mediated signaling pathways in cholangiocarcinoma cells.
Specific Aim 2. Determine the molecular mechanisms of the effect of CaM antagonists on Fas- mediated DISC formation in cholangiocarcinoma cells.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Mentored Quantitative Research Career Development Award (K25)
Project #
5K25CA140791-04
Application #
8289673
Study Section
Subcommittee G - Education (NCI)
Program Officer
Jakowlew, Sonia B
Project Start
2009-08-14
Project End
2014-06-30
Budget Start
2012-07-01
Budget End
2013-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$154,060
Indirect Cost
$11,412
Name
University of Alabama Birmingham
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Type
Schools of Engineering
DUNS #
063690705
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35294
Fancy, Romone M; Kim, Harrison; Napier, Tiara et al. (2018) Calmodulin antagonist enhances DR5-mediated apoptotic signaling in TRA-8 resistant triple negative breast cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 119:6216-6230
Fancy, Romone M; Kim, Harrison; Zhou, Tong et al. (2017) Calmodulin Binding to Death Receptor 5-mediated Death-Inducing Signaling Complex in Breast Cancer Cells. J Cell Biochem 118:2285-2294
Fancy, Romone M; Wang, Lingyun; Schmid, Thomas et al. (2016) Characterization of the Interactions between Calmodulin and Death Receptor 5 in Triple-negative and Estrogen Receptor-positive Breast Cancer Cells: AN INTEGRATED EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL STUDY. J Biol Chem 291:12862-70
Yang, Hongyi; Song, Yuhua (2016) Structural Insight for Roles of DR5 Death Domain Mutations on Oligomerization of DR5 Death Domain-FADD Complex in the Death-Inducing Signaling Complex Formation: A Computational Study. J Mol Model 22:89
Fancy, Romone M; Wang, Lingyun; Napier, Tiara et al. (2014) Characterization of calmodulin-Fas death domain interaction: an integrated experimental and computational study. Biochemistry 53:2680-8
Yan, Qi; McDonald, Jay M; Zhou, Tong et al. (2013) Structural insight for the roles of fas death domain binding to FADD and oligomerization degree of the Fas-FADD complex in the death-inducing signaling complex formation: a computational study. Proteins 81:377-85
Pan, Di; Song, Yuhua (2011) Effects of altered restraints in beta1 integrin on the force-regulated interaction between the glycosylated I-like domain of beta1 integrin and fibronectin III9-10: a steered molecular dynamic study. Mol Cell Biomech 8:233-52
Pan, Di; Yan, Qi; Chen, Yabing et al. (2011) Trifluoperazine regulation of calmodulin binding to Fas: a computational study. Proteins 79:2543-56