Investigating Loss of STK11 Function in Breast Cancer
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
The Serine Threonine Kinase 11 (STK11) gene has been considered a tumor suppressor gene since its discovery. However, recent studies suggest that cytoplasmic localization of STK11 may promote oncogenic properties that worsen breast cancer prognoses1 . Additionally, interactions between STK11 and the estrogen receptor, ERα, result in enhanced ERα cytoplasmic signaling and downstream effects on cellular processes known to be involved in promoting cancer growth2 . My research will investigate the effects of STK11 on estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cell development. I will test the hypothesis that in ER+ breast cancer, STK11 promotes cancer progression through enhanced non-genomic ERα signaling.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Paula Deming
Graduate Student Mentors
Shannon Prior
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Biological Science
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Investigating Loss of STK11 Function in Breast Cancer
The Serine Threonine Kinase 11 (STK11) gene has been considered a tumor suppressor gene since its discovery. However, recent studies suggest that cytoplasmic localization of STK11 may promote oncogenic properties that worsen breast cancer prognoses1 . Additionally, interactions between STK11 and the estrogen receptor, ERα, result in enhanced ERα cytoplasmic signaling and downstream effects on cellular processes known to be involved in promoting cancer growth2 . My research will investigate the effects of STK11 on estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cell development. I will test the hypothesis that in ER+ breast cancer, STK11 promotes cancer progression through enhanced non-genomic ERα signaling.