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Full-Text Articles in Medical Molecular Biology
Bim Mediates Imatinib-Induced Apoptosis Of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Translational Implications, David Reynoso
Bim Mediates Imatinib-Induced Apoptosis Of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Translational Implications, David Reynoso
Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are oncogene-addicted cancers driven by activating mutations in the genes encoding receptor tyrosine kinases KIT and PDGFR-α. Imatinib mesylate, a specific inhibitor of KIT and PDGFR-α signaling, delays progression of GIST, but is incapable of achieving cure. Thus, most patients who initially respond to imatinib therapy eventually experience tumor progression, and have limited therapeutic options thereafter. To address imatinib-resistance and tumor progression, these studies sought to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate apoptosis in GIST, and evaluate combination therapies that kill GISTs cells via complementary, but independent, mechanisms. BIM (Bcl-2 interacting mediator …
Taz As A Regulator Of Mesenchymal Transformation And Clinical Aggressiveness In Gliomas, Katrina Salazar
Taz As A Regulator Of Mesenchymal Transformation And Clinical Aggressiveness In Gliomas, Katrina Salazar
Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive, high grade brain tumor. Microarray studies have shown a subset of GBMs with a mesenchymal gene signature. This subset is associated with poor clinical outcome and resistance to treatment. To establish the molecular drivers of this mesenchymal transition, we correlated transcription factor expression to the mesenchymal signature and identified transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) to be highly associated with the mesenchymal shift. High TAZ expression correlated with worse clinical outcome and higher grade. These data led to the hypothesis that TAZ is critical to the mesenchymal transition and aggressive clinical behavior seen in …