Functional analysis of the roles of the serine protease Kallikrein 7 and its variant isoform in serous ovarian cancer. [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Judith Clements (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Ying Dong

Brief description Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynaecological cancers with 1,200 women in Australia diagnosed with the disease in 2004, and 852 patients dying of ovarian cancer. The mortality rate has improved little over the last two decades with one of the major reasons being that ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage when cancer cells have spread into the abdomen or metastasised to other sites. The kallikrein family of serine proteases or enzymes is emerging as very useful diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for ovarian cancer as they often have higher levels in ovarian cancer tissue compared to the normal ovary. One of these enzymes is kallikrein 7, which is also involved in shedding of skin cells. Because of its involvement in skin, we hypothesise it may be playing a similar role in ovarian cancer and helping the cancer cells to detach from the ovary so they are free to move around the body to other sites. There are two different forms of kallikrein 7, a long form and a shorter form which is lacking a part that is crucial to enzymatic activity. While low levels of the short form have been found in normal ovary, very high levels of both forms were seen in ovarian cancer, especially the serous subtype which is the most common and most aggressive form of ovarian cancer. The aim of this project is to determine the function(s) of both forms of kallikrein 7 in ovarian cancer and to identify other molecules-proteins they are involved with. These findings will tell us if kallikrein 7 is involved in the spreading of ovarian cancer cells or metastasis and will lead to a better understanding of the development and progression of ovarian cancer. The finding from this study may also lead to better therapeutic approaches (ie blocking the action of Kallikrein 7), and-or markers to monitor ovarian cancer progression.

Funding Amount $AUD 509,017.61

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant