Yunfei Wen, PhD
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Suicidal Autophagy: Targeting Tumoral PRL/PRLR Axis in Ovarian Cancer
G129R, a molecular antagonist to tumoral PRLR, robustly inhibits tumor growth through formation of excessive autophagosomes in ovarian cancer cells. Dr. Wen will explore the regulatory mechanism of G129R-induced autophagy in ovarian cancer cells and therapeutically evaluate the potential for G129R in treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer. This project will also determine the effect of G129R in tumorigenic properties of ovarian cancer stem cells, which are tightly associated with the recurrence of ovarian cancer. The expected outcomes will generate preclinical evidence for G129R as a novel chemotherapeutic drug and for promoting suicidal autophagy as a therapeutic strategy against ovarian cancer.