During this fiscal year, we reported that stathmin, a microtubule destabilizer required for the progression of cells through the cell cycle, also mediates the motility, migration, and invasion of malignant glioma cells. This was shown in experiments in which stathmin levels were experimentally increased or decreased with resulting changes in these cellular functions. We also demonstrated that nitrosoureas, DNA alkylating and protein carbamoylating drugs that inhibit stathmin and that are traditionally thought to inhibit only cell division, also inhibit motility, migration, and invasion. As invasion of surrounding brain by malignant glioma cells is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality for patients with malignant glioma tumors, we are pursuing further strategies to inhibit stathmin function in vivo alone and in combination with nitrosourea therapy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01NS003100-05
Application #
7735344
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$1,040,412
Indirect Cost
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code
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