Dimitra Bourboulia, PhD
CURRENT APPOINTMENTS
语言
WEB RESOURCES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS AND AFFILIATIONS
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Extracellular kinase signaling
- Extracellular chaperone function
- Targeting extracellular signaling networks in urological cancers
ASSOCIATIONS / MEMBERSHIPS
教育
PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS
RESEARCH ABSTRACT
Tumor cell growth and migration begin with the secretion of proteolytic enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) followed by an invasion of the tumor vasculature leading to initiation of metastasis. Matrix Metalloproteases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors (TIMPs) are key components of extracellular proteolysis and regulators of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Identification of ways to inhibit early matrix proteolysis would enhance our ability to target early tumor development and prevent metastatic potential. Studies have suggested that MMP/TIMP balance is shifted towards MMP activation during cancer progression.
Our laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms of MMPs and TIMPs regulation in the extracellular space that impact homeostasis and cancer progression. Current areas of research includes: (1) How c-Src mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of TIMP-2 affects extracellular proteolysis, (2) The role of TIMP-2 as a regulator of extracellular protein homeostasis, (3) Targeting extracellular kinase signaling for the development of novel cancer therapies.