The Von HippeI-Lindau (VHL) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by mutations in the VHL tumor suppressor gene. Genotype-phenotype correlation has been observed with specific point mutations in VHL corresponding to the patterns of tumorigenesis. VHL type 1 disease displays clear cell renal cell carcinoma and cerebellar hemangioblastoma. VHL type 2 disease is defined by the presence of pheochromocytoma and is subdivided into type 2A (pheochromocytoma and hemangioblastoma), 2B (pheochromocytoma, renal cell cancer, and hemangioblastoma), and 2C (pheochromocytoma only). Mutations in VHL also occur in the majority of sporadic forms of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and hemangioblastoma. VHL has been implicated in cellular processes important for tumorigenesis including cell cycle control, response to oxygen deprivation, and angiogenesis. The importance of VHL in each of these processes as they pertain to tumorigenesis is unknown. To address this we propose the following hypothesis: VHL performs multiple functions within the cell, and perturbation of individual functions via specific missense mutations contributes to the tumor specificity of the VHL syndrome subtypes. By examining a panel of VHL mutations representative of the VHL disease subtypes in both tissue culture and genetically engineered animal model systems, this series of experiments will discriminate functions of VHL which determine tissue specific tumorigenesis. ? ? This proposal describes a 5-year training program to develop an academic career in cancer biology. The experiments described in the proposal will provide valuable experience in the use and manipulation of murine genetic model systems for the study of cancer under the mentorship of Dr. Celeste Simon. Dr. Simon is an associate professor in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute with extensive experience in the manipulation of animal model systems. In addition, the skills of Dr. Vicki Eng have been enlisted to enhance the training program in the pathologic evaluation of murine tumor models. Finally, an advisory committee of experienced and highly regarded medical scientists has been assembled to provide scientific and career advice. Ultimately, the time spent in the development of this project will allow the establishment of a line of inquiry in the fields of angiogenesis and tumorigenesis and will provide the skills necessary to become a successful independent investigator. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08CA098410-04
Application #
6910025
Study Section
Subcommittee G - Education (NCI)
Program Officer
Myrick, Dorkina C
Project Start
2003-07-15
Project End
2008-06-30
Budget Start
2005-07-01
Budget End
2006-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$132,498
Indirect Cost
Name
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
608195277
City
Chapel Hill
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27599
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Wright, T M; Brannon, A R; Gordan, J D et al. (2009) Ror2, a developmentally regulated kinase, promotes tumor growth potential in renal cell carcinoma. Oncogene 28:2513-23
Hacker, Kathryn E; Lee, Caroline Martz; Rathmell, W Kimryn (2008) VHL type 2B mutations retain VBC complex form and function. PLoS One 3:e3801
Hickey, Michele M; Lam, Jennifer C; Bezman, Natalie A et al. (2007) von Hippel-Lindau mutation in mice recapitulates Chuvash polycythemia via hypoxia-inducible factor-2alpha signaling and splenic erythropoiesis. J Clin Invest 117:3879-89
Rathmell, W Kimryn; Acs, Geza; Simon, M Celeste et al. (2004) HIF transcription factor expression and induction of hypoxic response genes in a retroperitoneal angiosarcoma. Anticancer Res 24:167-9
Rathmell, W Kimryn; Hickey, Michele M; Bezman, Natalie A et al. (2004) In vitro and in vivo models analyzing von Hippel-Lindau disease-specific mutations. Cancer Res 64:8595-603