Growth Regulation Section

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Mesothelin is shed from cells by the action of membrane bound proteases. We believe shedding is important for the carcinogenic effect of mesothelin. We have previously established that ADAM 17 is important for mesothelin shedding in KLM-1 cells. We have now used siRNA knockdown technology to identify the enzymes responsible for shedding and found that a wide variety of sheddases can process mesothelin and these sheddases differ in different cell lines. To try and abrogate shedding we have determined the sites at which mesothelin is cleaved and made a monoclonal antibody that binds to this region and partially inhibits shedding. We will investigate if this mab alters the growth or behavior of mesothelin expressing cell lines.