Research / Clinical
Summary
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Lesley Ellies, PhD
Associate Adjunct Professor, Pathology
Tumor Growth, Invasion & Metastasis Program
Contact by Email
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Diseases/Research Topics
Cancer, Genetics, Mouse, Mouse Cancer Genetics
Our laboratory focuses on the role of the chronic inflammatory mediator, nitric oxide (NO) in breast cancer. Induction of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) during inflammation results in the production of NO, a molecule important in the suppression of T cell immunity and production of the DNA damaging reactive nitrogen oxide species (RNOS). Human studies have associated increased iNOS expression with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, and the use of anti-inflammatory agents with a reduction in the risk of breast cancer.
Results from our laboratory indicate that genetic loss of iNOS results in a delay in mammary tumorigenesis in the polyomavirus middle T antigen mouse model of breast cancer. We have developed stable cell lines from these tumors to aid in studying the role of iNOS in tumorigenesis and metastasis. We have a particular interest in interactions between the NO and p53 tumor suppressor pathways.
In addition, we have mice deficient in the arginine transporter, CAT2. CAT2 supplies the substrate for nitric oxide production by the inducible nitric oxide synthase. We are dissecting the molecular pathways by which iNOS and CAT2 affect mammary tumorigenesis to develop new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this disease.
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