Selected Grantee Publications
Three Novel Neoplasms in Nancy Ma's Owl Monkeys (Aotus nancymaae)
Bacon et al., Veterinary Pathology. 2024.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39692093/
Researchers have identified three previously unreported tumor types in male and female Nancy Ma’s owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae), a nonhuman primate species that is rarely associated with tumors. Although past cases in owl monkeys were mostly linked to Herpesvirus saimiri–induced lymphoma, this research expands the understanding of tumor development in this species. These findings highlight potential new disease patterns and could inform veterinary care and biomedical research involving owl monkeys. Continued monitoring and investigation of tumors in New World primates are crucial for ensuring animal welfare and research integrity. Supported by ORIP (T32OD011083).
SREBP-Dependent Regulation of Lipid Homeostasis Is Required for Progression and Growth of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Ishida et al., Cancer Research Communications. 2024.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11444119
Lipids are crucial for tumor cell proliferation, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) activation drives lipid synthesis and uptake to maintain cancer growth. This study investigated the role of the SREBP pathway and its regulator, SREBP cleavage–activating protein (SCAP), in lipid metabolism during the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Using female mouse xenograft models and male and female pancreas-specific Scap knockout transgenic mice, researchers demonstrated that SCAP is essential for PDAC progression in low-nutrient conditions, linking lipid metabolism to tumor growth. These findings highlight SREBP as a key therapeutic target for PDAC, offering potential strategies for improving treatment by disrupting cancer-associated metabolic reprogramming. Supported by ORIP (T32OD011089), NCI, NHLBI, and NIGMS.
Epigenetic MLH1 Silencing Concurs With Mismatch Repair Deficiency in Sporadic, Naturally Occurring Colorectal Cancer in Rhesus Macaques
Deycmar et al., Journal of Translational Medicine. 2024.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38504345
Rhesus macaques serve as a useful model for colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans, but more data are needed to understand the molecular pathogenesis of these cancers. Using male and female rhesus macaques, researchers investigated mismatch repair status, microsatellite instability, genetic mutations, transcriptional differences, and epigenetic alterations associated with CRC. Their data indicate that epigenetic silencing suppresses MLH1 transcription, induces the loss of MLH1 protein, abrogates mismatch repair, and drives genomic instability in naturally occurring CRC in rhesus macaques. This work provides a uniquely informative model for human CRC. Supported by ORIP (P51OD011092, R24OD010947, R24OD021324, P40OD012217, U42OD010426, T35OD010946, T32OD010957), NCATS, and NCI.