Understanding synthetic lethality of ATR inhibitors with DDR dysregulation common in ovarian cancer
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Northern Institute for Cancer Research
Abstract
Key words:Living a long and Healthy life
DNA damage response: DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoints, ATR
Translational studies for Biomarker development
Patient stratification to new treatments for ovarian cancer
This project aims to explore the therapeutic potential of an ATR inhibitor, developed at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, in ovarian cancer through exploitation of defects in the DNA damage response (DDR). ATR is key to the DDR by signalling DNA damage to cell cycle checkpoints and repair. Certain defects in the DDR confer sensitivity to ATR inhibition. Many of these defects are common in ovarian cancer, the 5th most frequent cause of cancer death in women. The project will involve cytotoxicity studies in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines, knockdown of DDR genes, mechanistic studies to determine why some DDR defects confer sensitivity to ATR inhibition and translational studies using primary cultures of ovarian cancer from patients. Training in relevant biochemical and molecular techniques, the scientific method and intellectual rigor will be given. Parts of the project will be undertaken at Vertex, the industrial sponsor's laboratories.
DNA damage response: DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoints, ATR
Translational studies for Biomarker development
Patient stratification to new treatments for ovarian cancer
This project aims to explore the therapeutic potential of an ATR inhibitor, developed at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, in ovarian cancer through exploitation of defects in the DNA damage response (DDR). ATR is key to the DDR by signalling DNA damage to cell cycle checkpoints and repair. Certain defects in the DDR confer sensitivity to ATR inhibition. Many of these defects are common in ovarian cancer, the 5th most frequent cause of cancer death in women. The project will involve cytotoxicity studies in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines, knockdown of DDR genes, mechanistic studies to determine why some DDR defects confer sensitivity to ATR inhibition and translational studies using primary cultures of ovarian cancer from patients. Training in relevant biochemical and molecular techniques, the scientific method and intellectual rigor will be given. Parts of the project will be undertaken at Vertex, the industrial sponsor's laboratories.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Nicola Curtin (Primary Supervisor) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR/N017838/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/03/2021 | |||
| 1779353 | Studentship | MR/N017838/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2020 |
| Description | Leading Edge Mini School Project |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Leading edge was a project run within the Faculty of Medical sciences at Newcastle University. The project engaged with 11 schools from across the north east region, who were invited to select 6 students to take part in mini-research projects ran by scientists across the faculty. Before the mini-research project, selected students and accompanying teachers were invited to a presentation evening where the planned projects were presented, and the schools and students were paired with scientists. The students were invited to participate in three faculty run workshops on; scientific debate, basic laboratory skills and safety, and presentation skills. The groups of 6 students then attended the labs of the scientists to which they were paired to complete a lab-based research project. The research project and its results and outcomes were then presented by the students to an audience of the participating schools teachers, students and parents, along with researchers within the faculty. The final presentation evening sparked questions and discussion from teachers and the parents of students to scientists and amongst the students from different school about different projects completed. Teachers also reported an increase in interest in science and a career in research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |