HYPOTHESIS

Molecular biosensors for hormone receptors can create novel understanding between binding of hormones or molecules (e.g. inhibitors) to cognate receptors and related biological outcomes.    

Background & Significance

The presence of molecules that stimulate hormone receptors within tumors has emerged as an important factor in skin cancer development and progression. However, relatively little is known about how this process is coordinated, as well as the specificity of ligands among the hormone receptors, to result in downstream biological effects. By engineering sensors that detect binding of cognate ligands, we can readily visualize the presence and distribution of small molecules in cells and tissues and, thus, increase understanding of how different drugs and hormones act within a tumor.

Objectives

The overall objective is to establish molecular tools to increase understanding about hormone receptor signaling for skin cancer prevention:

to set up state-of-the-art hormone receptor sensors and flexible detection systems that can be used to characterize on-target responses and behaviors in cancer vs. healthy cells;

validate the tools and biosensors in vitro (in the dish) using cell lines;

determine binding of different molecules and/or hormones to androgen receptor in ex vivo and xenograft models.

Enrolment in Doctoral degree(s):

  • Karolinska Institute