Life Sciences Commons^™

Using Genetics In A Model Organism To Understand Polyamine Transport, Victoria A. Millington

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Polyamines are small positively charged molecules that control major vital cellular processes including cell growth and proliferation, gene expression, protein production and cell death. Cells can obtain polyamines by making them (biosynthesis) or bringing them into the cell from the outside (transport). Cancer cells require high levels of polyamines to sustain their rapid growth, and depletion of polyamines slows the growth of malignant cells. An FDA approved drug, difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), blocks biosynthesis but is often ineffective because tumor cells respond by increasing transport of polyamines. Thus, a dual therapy that simultaneously targets polyamine biosynthesis and transport is needed. The mechanism …