Concept Award grants from the US Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) are difficult to land. Yet three researchers at the Van Andel Institute received grants totaling over $400,000 to help fund their groundbreaking breast cancer investigations.
Dr. Kate Eisenmann received funding for the genetic manipulation of a protein known as DIP in breast cancer cells. Current drug therapies target cancer cells' mechanism for movement throughout the body. Yet some cancer cells have a secondary means of movement that allows them to still migrate and metastasize even after treatment. Eisenmann wants to understand how DIP contributes to that secondary movement.
Dr. Carrie Graveel will study how the gene Met regulates mammary cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells can create new tumors. Studies suggest that mammary cancer stem cells are the origin of breast cancer and a source of resistance to drug therapies. If that's true, treatment with Met inhibitors may prevent tumor growth and resistance to treatment.
Dr. James Resau will investigate effective treatments for breast cancer tumors based on genetic information from tumors. Current research estimates that the Wnt gene triggers almost half of all breast cancers.
“Pathologists can identify genetic information, such as activated Wnt signaling, from tumors that could be used to determine treatment," Resau says.
Bart Williams, Ph.D., will collaborate on a section of Dr. Resau's work.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women in the United States. Since 2000, the VAI has received nine BCRP grants totaling $2,531,708.
Source: Van Andel Institute
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