Dr. Glackin’s laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of normal human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, and how key molecules in this process play a role in promoting tumor metastasis. This knowledge will provide valuable targets in developing novel cancer therapies. Additionally, Dr. Glackin is investigating how the unique properties of another type of human stem cell, the neural stem cell, may be exploited to deliver specifically targeted therapy for aggressive metastatic cancers. The following is a brief overview of these two major research areas:
MSCs and Metastases: A New “Twist” in Breast Cancer
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells, i.e. they can differentiate into several types of mature cells – most notably, bone, muscle and fat.
Twist is an HLH (helix-loop-helix) protein abundant in MSCs that helps promote these normal differentiation pathways. Dr. Glackin’s research group has found that over-expression of
Twist protein is present in metastatic breast cancer, particularly in bone metastases. This suggests that normal expression of
Twist correlates with normal osteogenesis, but aberrant expression of
Twist leads to bone metastases. By deciphering the molecular underpinnings of this aberrant expression (in particular, a process known as EMT), the group is developing innovative therapeutic interventions, such as STIs (soluble
Twist inhibitors), in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with highly aggressive metastatic cancers.
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Neural Stem Cells as Targeted Drug Delivery Vehicles
Human neural stem cells (NSCs) display inherent tumor-specific tropism
in vivo and therapeutically engineered NSCs reduced tumor burden in animal models. Dr. Glackin’s lab has demonstrated that NSCs migrate towards breast cancer cells and specifically target breast tumors
in vivo. Utilizing these proven inherent migratory and tumor targeting abilities, Glackin proposes to use genetically-engineered NSCs as a delivery vehicle for several types of drugs to treat metastatic breast cancer.
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