Two primary differences between epithelial cells and cancerous cells are the ability of cancerous cells to metastasize and avoid apoptosis. The drug 4-methylthio-2-oxobutyric acid (MTOB) has been shown to interact with the CtBP transcription repressor causing the induction of apoptosis, as well as a reduction in migration of cells. The focus of this MQP was to explore the most efficacious use of MTOB through the study of structural analogs, as well as combination therapy with CtBP siRNA. While the structural analogs used were less effective than MTOB, using siRNA against CtBP2 in combination with MTOB proved to significantly lower cell growth rate and increase apoptosis. Immunoblotting analysis demonstrated a decrease in expression of the CtBP2 protein with the combination treatment.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cockerill, Meghan Elise

Contributors

• Kulikov, Roman

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-043010-102329

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2010

Sponsor

• UMass Medical School

Date created

• 2010-04-30

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright