Functional analysis of differentially expressed genes in lung tumors induced by K-Ras oncogenic form in the presence and absence of subunit p65 of NF-kB transcription factor

• Grant number: 14/25834-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2015
• End date: September 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Daniela Sanchez Basseres
• Grantee: Thalita Bueno Corrêa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Given that the NF-kB subunit p65 plays an important role in oncogenic Ras-induced neoplastic transformation, including K-Ras-induced lung transformation, it is crucial to identify p65-regulated genes that promote oncogenesis. Based on the hypothesis that p65 regulates potential therapeutic targets in the lung, our experimental approach will include identification of differentially expressed genes in K-Ras-induced murine lung tumors in the presence and absence of p65. The rationale for this approach is that, once it is completed, it will provide critical information about the molecular mechanisms involved in KRas-induced malignant transformation. This knowledge will be of great value for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for lung cancer patients. Once the proposed studies are finalized, we expect to have identified new potential therapeutic targets for lung cancer. This would be an important finding because it would allow the design of new pharmacological approaches to block oncogenic KRas activity in lung cancer therapy.