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Influence of HMGA-genes on the development and progression of human SCCHN

Description

The project investigates the prognostic value of HMGA-expression on survival and progression of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The SCCHN tumour entity is the entity with the greatest increase in incidence among males through the 90s. HMGA-proteins, which are overexpressed in many tumour tissues, are commonly only weakly expressed in healthy adult cells. The expression of the HMGA-genes is strongly controlled by micro-RNAs which bind to the 3'UTRs. Previous studies indicate that the overexpression of HMGA-proteins in tumour tissue correlates with a worsened prognosis of the patients (e.g. by interfering with the regulatory p53 network). Biologic material collected for a previous hospital-based case-control study gives us the possibility to investigate the tumourigenic re-expression of HMGA-genes and the role of genetic gene variations on re-expression of HMGA-genes and tumour survival. The possible influence of exogenous noxae such as tobacco or alcohol consumption on HMGA-expression and disease risk and their possible interplay with a genetic predisposition will be a secondary research question.
The understanding of these mechanisms could offer new strategies for cancer treatment. For example, HMGA-expression in tumour tissue could be reduced or HMGA-proteins could be inactivated to reactivate p53-induced apoptosis of malign cells.

Funding period

Begin:   May 2010
End:   April 2013

Contact

Kathrin Günther

Sponsor

  • German Research Association

Selected project-related publications