Investigating the role of UBIAD1 and redox signaling in tumor formation, dissemination and relapse

Continuous innovation in cancer research is indispensable to be able to deal with the current drug failures due to therapy resistance or tumor relapse after treatment. In this project, we will address cancer research from a very innovative angle: we propose to block the accumulation of antioxidant in the tumor cells to impair their ability to proliferate, disseminate and regenerate. Tumor cells accumulate oxidative species to be able to proliferate and transform but also express high level of antioxidants to compensate for the high oxidative level and to limit cellular damage. The hypothesis of the project is that reducing “antioxidant defenses” of the tumor cells could increase cell damage in the cell themselves and complement current treatments. The host lab recently identified a new antioxidant enzyme called UBIAD1 as a regulator of oxidative stress. The aim of the proposed project is to demonstrate that Ubiad1 is crucial for tumor formation by its ability to modulate the antioxidant defense of tumor cells. We will assess whether modulation of Ubiad1 gene in mice can alter tumor progression and propagation, but also modulate tumor relapse after irradiation. This project will result in interesting insights and perspectives to potential antioxidant inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. The success of this grant is based on the expertise of the PI in cancer research during his early career stages and intramural collaborations with laboratories leaders in oncology at VIB/KUL