2008 UALC
Faye Johnson, MD, PhD
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Research Project:
The Receptor Tyrosine Kinase EphA2: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Non-Small Cell Lung cancer
Summary:
Dr. Johnson is studying a new therapeutic target for NSCLC, EphA2, a receptor tyrosine kinase potentially involved in cell migration, cell growth and angiogenesis. The project is focused on determining the potential clinical value of EphA2 depletion in NSCLC and to investigate the pathways downstream of EphA2 that may influence its biological effects. There are a number of EphA2-targeting agents in development; this work could lead to direct clinical application within a short period of time.
More Content:
Final Report
Investigation of the relationship between EphA2 and EGFR has been completed. No feedback pathways were identified, however the data demonstrated that EphA2 expression was regulated by EGFR activation and K-Ras mutations in cancer cells and patient tumors. High EphA2 expression was identified as an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and metastases in NSCLC patients, and was positively correlated with a history of smoking.
Notable Accomplishments
Dr. Johnson published her work in the journals Clinical Cancer Research and Cancer Prevention Research.