One of the molecules causally linked to cancer is the transcription factor STAT3. STAT3 is a member of the family of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription and is activated by specific tyrosine phosphorylation. The activity of STAT3 is normally controlled by a delicate balance of positive and negative effectors, and the objectives of this proposal are to understand mechanisms that govern this regulation. This information will provide knowledge needed to control its activity. As a signaling molecule, STAT3 can respond to signals generated in the cytoplasm or nucleus, but as a transcription factor it is essential for STAT3 to gain access to the nucleus.
Specific Aim #1 is dedicated to STAT3 nuclear trafficking. Our premise is that regulation of STAT3 nuclear trafficking has a significant impact on its function, and elucidation of the mechanisms that regulate its cellular distribution will provide information valuable to block its function in cancer. In addition to nuclear localization, tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 is necessary for specific DNA binding and transcriptional induction.
Specific Aim #2 is designed to evaluate the positive influence of breast tumor kinase, and the negative influence of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3) on STAT3 function. Furthermore we will test the effect of STAT3 and SOCS-3 on cancer development with a murine model system. Results of these studies are expected to provide information fundamental to basic and translational research. Standard therapies for cancer include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and newer strategies include specific inhibitors of hormone receptors (tamoxifen) or tyrosine kinases (Gleevec, Herceptin). Even with these interventions, cancer is one of the leading causes of death. It is clear there is a need to develop additional targeted therapies. Nuclear trafficking and inhibitors of tyrosine phosphorylation provide potential avenues for clinical intervention of STAT3-dependent neoplasia.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA122910-03
Application #
7559580
Study Section
Cancer Molecular Pathobiology Study Section (CAMP)
Program Officer
Yassin, Rihab R,
Project Start
2007-04-01
Project End
2011-01-31
Budget Start
2009-02-01
Budget End
2010-01-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$294,500
Indirect Cost
Name
State University New York Stony Brook
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
804878247
City
Stony Brook
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
11794
Shin, Ha Youn; Reich, Nancy C (2013) Dynamic trafficking of STAT5 depends on an unconventional nuclear localization signal. J Cell Sci 126:3333-43
Cimica, Velasco; Reich, Nancy C (2013) Nuclear trafficking of STAT proteins visualized by live cell imaging. Methods Mol Biol 967:189-202
Chang Foreman, Hui-Chen; Van Scoy, Sarah; Cheng, Tsu-Fan et al. (2012) Activation of interferon regulatory factor 5 by site specific phosphorylation. PLoS One 7:e33098
Gao, Yiwei; Cimica, Velasco; Reich, Nancy C (2012) Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 inhibits breast tumor kinase activation of STAT3. J Biol Chem 287:20904-12
Cimica, Velasco; Chen, Hui-Chen; Iyer, Janaki K et al. (2011) Dynamics of the STAT3 transcription factor: nuclear import dependent on Ran and importin-?1. PLoS One 6:e20188
Chen, Hui-Chen; Reich, Nancy C (2010) Live cell imaging reveals continuous STAT6 nuclear trafficking. J Immunol 185:64-70
Iyer, Janaki; Reich, Nancy C (2008) Constitutive nuclear import of latent and activated STAT5a by its coiled coil domain. FASEB J 22:391-400
Reich, Nancy C (2007) STAT dynamics. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 18:511-8