Abstract IA19: Understanding the dynamics of cancer: From developmental pathways to in vivo imaging

• Published in: Cancer research (Chicago, Ill.) Ill.), 2013-02, Vol.73 (3_Supplement), p.IA19-IA19
• Main Author: Reya, Tannishtha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0008-5472; 1538-7445
• DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.TIM2013-IA19

Our research focuses on the signals that control hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, how these signals are utilized during regeneration and how their dysregulation may lead to cancer. Using a multitude of genetic models, we have shown that classic developmental signaling pathways such as Wnt, Hedgehog and Notch play key roles in stem cell growth and regeneration and are dysregulated during leukemia development. In addition, we have used real-time imaging strategies to show that hematopoietic stem cells have the capacity to undergo both symmetric and asymmetric division, and that shifts in the balance between these modes of division are controlled by the microenvironment and subverted by oncogenes. Importantly, we have shown that regulators of this process, including the cell fate determinant Musashi, can promote aggressive cancers and could serve as critical targets for diagnostics and therapy. Most recently, we have developed a high resolution in vivo imaging system that has allowed us to begin to map the behavior and interactions of hematopoietic stem cells with the microenvironment within living animals, and to define how these change during regeneration and cancer formation. Citation Format: Tannishtha Reya. Understanding the dynamics of cancer: From developmental pathways to in vivo imaging. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr IA19.