2011 UALC
Lidija Covic, PhD
Tufts Medical Center
Research Project:
Targeting Protease-Activated Receptors in Lung Cancer with Novel Strategies
Summary:
For a tumor to grow, it needs oxygen and nutrients supplied by new blood vessels. Anti-angiogenic therapies, such as bevacizumab (Avastin), prevent those new blood vessels from growing and feeding the tumor. Dr. Covic is investigating a new therapeutic target, PAR1, plays a role in the regulation of blood vessel formation through producing VEGF (a vascular growth factor). This project will investigate the PAR1 receptor in VEGF production and tumor progression in lung cancer patients and preclinical models, and test a new potential therapy (pepducins) to block PAR1 and prevent lung tumor growth.
More Content:
Final Report
Dr. Covic’s studies thus far provide compelling evidence for the role of matrix metalloprotease 1 (MMP-1) and PAR1 in lung cancer invasion and tumor progression. Dr. Covic and her team are assessing the therapeutic potential of PAR1 and its downstream effectors in lung tumors using a compound further in development at Tufts for cardiovascular indications. Dr. Covic will repurpose this drug to assess therapeutic potential in pre-clinical models of lung cancer.