An increasing number of molecular markers are being identified that correlate with cancer metastasis or a poor prognosis. Typically these markers were examined based on the potential for a biologic activity that would act to enhance cancer cell growth and metastasis. There are also reports of various cytokine or growth factor receptors that are constitutively activated via autocrine or paracrine loops thus supporting cancer cell growth. While granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) expression has been shown for a wide variety of cancer cell types, an increasing number of reports are being published regarding the aberrant expression of the G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) by various non-hematopoietic human cancers and cancer cell lines.
Our aim i s to clearly demonstrate that G-CSF expression coupled with aberrant G-CSFR expression by transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) can be used as a predictor of more aggressive behavior. We will demonstrate the biological impact of G-CSF/G-CSFR expression in in vitro and also in vivo by using a murine TCC model. Thus the aberrant G-CSFR expression that is being demonstrated by an expanding variety of solid tumors may serve as both a marker of specific tumor cell capabilities impacting clinical outcome and as a mechanism for many of these tumor-enhancing functions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21CA103977-01A1
Application #
6823896
Study Section
Tumor Progression and Metastasis Study Section (TPM)
Program Officer
Sussman, Daniel J
Project Start
2004-08-01
Project End
2006-07-31
Budget Start
2004-08-01
Budget End
2005-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$131,220
Indirect Cost
Name
Baylor College of Medicine
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
051113330
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030