Investigating the inescapable influence of noncoding RNAs in breast cancer

The Adams lab is interested in understanding how noncoding RNAs play a fundamental role in regulating the process of tumorigenesis. We utilize a variety of cancer cell lines and models, predominately breast and lung, to interrogate microRNA – circular-RNA interactions, and to then determine if disruption of these interactions can influence cellular signaling pathways that ultimately influence the tumorigenic cascade. A second interest in his lab is to understand how miRNA modifications can influence the activity, targeting capacity, and function of miRNAs during tumorigenesis.

  • The role of microRNAs in triple-negative breast cancer: Through in vitroand in vivo studies we intend on elucidating how small RNAs can inhibit tumorigenic properties. Our model system to address this question is triple-negative breast cancer, a rare yet more aggressive form of breast cancer.
  • Understanding the cause of breast cancer:We are using new tools to perturb non-coding RNAs during normal mammary gland development in vitro to help identify which essential pathways, that when go awry, cause cancer.
  • MicroRNA fundamentals in cancer: There is still much to be explored regarding the biogenesis, processing, and function of microRNAs. We are identifying novel mechanisms that alter the activity, targeting capacity, and function of miRNAs in normal cells versus cancer.

 

Experiment Initiative (see link below)

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