2012 © Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM
Projects
The MKLP1/MgcRacGAP/Ect2 complex as a regulator of invasiveness and malignancy
Arjan van Adrichem and Leena Karhinen
We are examining the role of the cytokinetic MKLP1/MgcRacGAP/Ect2 complex in induction of EMT and invasiveness. While this complex plays an undisputed role in cytokinesis, it also contributes to human oncogenesis and cancer invasiveness. These contributions are currently poorly defined, thus we are studying the oncogenic function of the complex through conventional molecular biological approaches as well as the development of small molecule inhibitors of the proteins within the complex.
KifC1 as an essential regulator of mitosis in malignant cells
Gretchen Repasky
We are studying the role of the mitotic kinesin KifC1 in malignant cancer cell survival. KifC1 is essential for sustained stable division of cells with centrosome amplification, a common feature of many malignant cells . We are using molecular and chemical biological approaches to better understand the role KifC1 in cancer progression and its potential as a cancer-specific as well as chemo- and radiotherapy-sensitizing target.
Identification of novel signaling and metabolic pathways controlling malignancy
Leena Karhinen and Sawan Kumar Jha
We are using activity-based profiling approaches to discover novel pathways involved in cancer cell regeneration and invasiveness. The signaling pathways regulating cancer stem cell-like therapeutic resistant properties and invasiveness are not well understood. Furthermore the signaling pathways that are commonly implicated such as Wnt and Hh signaling are not easily druggable. Therefore, using a chemical biology approach we are aiming to identify novel druggable signaling cascades that are relevant for these phenotypic events. More specifically, we are utilizing protein-labeling nucleotide analogs to profile activated nucleotide-binding proteins and the pathways in which they participate.
Identification of new personalized cancer medicine therapies
Tea Pemovska
Our group is also involved in the Personalized Cancer Medicine efforts at FIMM. More specifically, the Wennerberg group in collaboration with the FIMM Technology Centre Chemical Biology Unit conducts high throughput drug screening with an oncology collection of approximately 200 approved and investigational drugs. The aims of the drug screening are to identify personalized treatment options for leukemia patients and to identify novel drug combinations applicable to leukemia treatment. Furthermore, we are interested in more detailed molecular profiling of acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia subtypes and how do those subtypes correlate to drug sensitivity.