Source: TEXAS A&M UNIV submitted to
A DEVELOPMENTAL MODEL OF MELANOMA
 
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Amoss, M. S.
 
PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
TEXAS A&M UNIV
COLLEGE STATION,TX 77843
 
NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The incidence of melanoma is rising rapidly, especially in the southwest. This research addresses the genetic parameters leading to the expression of melanoma and the physiological parameters producing spontaneous regression. The purpose of this research is to identify the genes responsible for the expression of melanoma, the specific role the genes play and the immunological mechanisms responsible for the spontaneous regression. With this information, final treatments will be developed.
 
OBJECTIVES: The overall objectives are to determine the cellular and molecular signals that init1ate tumorigenesis and regression in a swine model of melanoma. The projects are 1) to map and determine the genes responsible for expression of the tumor: 2) to determine the relative contribution of cytokines, macrophages and lymphocytes to regression: 3) to determine the roles of apoptosis and lack of telomerase to regression.
 
APPROACH: A herd of Sinclair swine will be maintained from which tumor tissue and white blood cells will be collected for use in various in vitro experiments. DNA will be used to map genes responsible for malanoma, once genes are identified and located, the role of that gene in causing the tumor will be investigated. As mechanisms are identified from the in vitro experiments, in vivo perturbations will be initiated to confirm and extend our observations.
 
CRIS NUMBER: 0190420 SUBFILE: CRIS
PROJECT NUMBER: TEX08648 SPONSOR AGENCY: SAES
PROJECT TYPE: STATE PROJECT STATUS: TERMINATED MULTI-STATE PROJECT NUMBER: (N/A)
START DATE: Sep 11, 2001 TERMINATION DATE: Sep 10, 2006

GRANT PROGRAM: (N/A)
GRANT PROGRAM AREA: (N/A)

CLASSIFICATION
Knowledge Area (KA)Subject (S)Science (F)Objective (G)Percent
311351010004.225%
311351010204.250%
311351010604.225%

CLASSIFICATION HEADINGS
KA311 - Animal Diseases
S3510 - Swine, live animal
F1020 - Physiology
F1000 - Biochemistry and biophysics
F1060 - Biology (whole systems)
G4.2 - Reduce Number and Severity of Pest and Disease Outbreaks


RESEARCH EFFORT CATEGORIES
BASIC 70%
APPLIED 20%
DEVELOPMENTAL 10%

KEYWORDS: melanoma; macrophages; swine; tumors; molecular biology; genetics; gene mapping; lymphocytes; immune response; human diseases; biochemistry; human physiology; tumorigenesis; signals; animal models; gene analysis; cytokines; apoptosis; telomerase; blood cells; gene function

PROGRESS: Sep 11, 2001 TO Sep 10, 2006
The incidence of melanoma is rising rapidly, especially in the southwest. This research addresses the genetic parameters leading to the expression of melanoma and the physiological parameters producing spontaneous regression. The purpose of this research is to identify the genes responsible for the expression of melanoma, the specific role the genes play and the immunological mechanisms responsible for the spontaneous regression. With this information, final treatments will be developed. The overall objectives are to determine the cellular and molecular signals that initiate tumorigenesis and regression in a swine model of melanoma. The projects are: 1) to map and determine the genes responsible for expression of the tumor, 2) to determine the relative contribution of cytokines, macrophages and lymphocytes to regression, 3) to determine the roles of apoptosis and lack of telomerase to regression. A herd of Sinclair swine will be maintained from which tumor tissue and white blood cells will be collected for use in various in vitro experiments. DNA will be used to map genes responsible for melanoma, once genes are identified and located, the role of that gene in causing the tumor will be investigated. As mechanisms are identified from the in vitro experiments, in vivo perturbations will be initiated to confirm and extend our observations. It is expected that the identification of a gene(s) involved in the expression and regression of these swine malignant melanomas will lead to the identification and control of proteins responsible. It is envisioned that as we identify the specific molecules responsible, it will provide unique avenues to accurately and succinctly design novel therapies for this devastating cancer. Use of the Sinclair swine/melanoma line has been successful and upon Dr. Amoss' retirement, the herd was transferred to the University of Nevada, Reno for continued research.

IMPACT: 2001-09-11 TO 2006-09-10 It is expected that the identification of a gene(s) involved in the experession and regression of these swine malignant melanomas will lead to the identification and control of the proteins responsible. It is envisioned that as we identify the specific molecules responsible, it will provide unique avenues to accurately and succinctly design novel therapies for this devastating cancer.

PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 2001-09-11 TO 2006-09-10
No publications reported this period

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
NAME: Amoss, M. S.
PHONE: 979-845-5906
FAX: 979-458-3361