Date Completed: 2/5/08
Faculty Name: Joseph Pressey
UAB Department: Pediatrics
UAB School: Medicine
Campus Address: WTI 548
Campus Zip:
Telephone: 996-4085
Email Address: jpressey@uab.edu
Fax: 975-1941
Research Program Area: Tumor Biology
Project Title: Characterization of the Rhabdomyosarcoma Proteome
Project Status: Already up-and-running
Proposed Start Date: Flexible
Proposed End Date: Flexible
Number of Weeks of Internship: at least 8 weeks
Number of Interns: 1
Expected Number of Work Hours Per Week: Negotiable
Expected Work Schedule for Intern: NOT very flexible, intern MUST be at work on certain days and times
Category of Research: Laboratory Research
Cancer Research: Multiple Cancer Sites
Project Description: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMA) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood, affecting 350 to 400 children annually in the U.S. Based on histopathologic criteria, RMS tumors are classified as alveolar (A-RMS) or embryonal (E-RMS) subtypes. The majority of A-RMS tumors possess the t (2;13) PAX#-FKHR (P3F) fusion oncogene, which likely represents the defining event in A-RMS tumorigenesis. A-RMS tumors display an aggressive clinical phenotype, with approximately 1 out of 3 children with non-metastatic A-RMS dying of disease. Patients with metastatic or relapsed A-RMS tumors carry a particularly dismal prognosis. Aggressive multilodality therapy with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery is the mainstay of RMS treatment. First used in the 1960's, the combination of Vincristine, Actinomycin, and Cyclophosphamide remains the standard of care today. Unfortunately, suviving patients often suffer from lifelong treatment-related morbidity. Diagnosis, risk stratification, and monitoring of treatment response in RMS patients also remain complex and problematic. Together, these finding highlight the need for novel RMS therapies and clinically relevant biomarkers. A thorough understanding of the function of the P3F oncogene is a critical prerequisite for improving these aspects of RMS therapy. Using cutting-edge methodology, we are performing a comprehensive analysis of genetically defined RMS P3F cell culture models engineered in our laboratory. We will identify and evaluate novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers using standard laboratory techniques. Identified candidate biomarkers will be further assayed in mouse model and archival human blood specimens. Ultimately, our finding will contribute to improved survival and decreased morbidity of RMS patients. The CaRES intern will work directly with Dr. Pressey and a lab technician. Previous lab experience will be helpful but is not necessary.
Intern's Anticipated Duties:
Duty 1: Western blotting
Duty 2: PCR
Duty 3: Possibly analyzing mouse blood samples (if interested)
Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following: office or desk space; laboratory work bench space; equipment needed to complete project; supplies needed to complete project
Likelihood of authoring publications: Possible
Background, education, experience, or expertise preferred: Animal Research; Cell Biology; Molecular Biology
This faculty member has been a CaRES Preceptor for three or more summers.
Intern 1: Michael Kozak