Characterization of interacting partners of S6K1 short isoforms in human cells and its relationship with cancer

• Grant number: 14/07115-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2014
• End date: July 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutrition Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Moreira Simabuco
• Grantee: Alice Missagia de Mattos Springer
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas (FCA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Limeira , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 12/13558-7 - Molecular characterization of S6Ks in obesity and its associated diseases, AP.JP

Abstract

Currently, cancer is the most important factor related to cause of death in economically developed countries. In a few more decades, this disease can become a major cause of morbidity and mortality in all regions of the world. Prostate cancer is the second most important cause of death compared to other cancers occurring in men in Brazil . The activity of mTOR has been associated with cancer due to its key role in controlling cell growth and metabolism. The S6Ks proteins are known as the main effector proteins mTOR pathway and, for this reason, various studies are pointing to the oncogenic potential of S6Ks. Genes encoding S6K1 and S6K2 are commonly amplified in many cancers, including prostate cancer. Despite its importance, studies involving S6Ks short isoforms, such as S6K1-H6a, and its role in cancer are scarce, which leads to the need for more research related to the role of these isoforms in cancer. This research project aims to characterize the role of the short isoform of S6K1-H6a in cancer, analyzing possible interaction partners and their role in cell growth.