Sphingolipid Animal Cancer Pathobiology Core

State University New York Stony Brook, Stony Brook NY

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

ABSTRACT The overall objective of the Sphingolipid Animal Cancer Pathobiology (SACP) Shared Resource (SR) is to provide the Project Investigators with the knowledge, resources, and ability to fully and efficiently utilize animal models in the execution of their research projects and to advance their preclinical studies. Through the SACP- SR, the different projects utilize genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) for the investigation of the mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis, metastasis, tumor microenvironment and chemotherapeutic responses, specifically utilizing a unique set of animals with deletions in genes of sphingolipid metabolism coupled with pathologically relevant animal models of specific cancers. Indeed, the SACP has become a national repository for sphingolipid knock out mice, having generated several of them. Preclinical models, specifically animal models, of cancer are invaluable tools for the identification and validation of novel functions, interventions, therapeutic targets, and biomarkers. Therefore, the Core will provide the projects with “start-to-finish” expertise in utilizing in vivo models in their research projects. The SACP has already generated several sphingolipid knockout mice (both, total body and tissue specific) that in combination with pathologically relevant animal models of specific cancer has become in a key resource for the test of different hypothesis. The Core will assist with i) animal model selection; ii) generation of animal models of carcinogenesis, including the generation of novel GEMMs; iii) development and use of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and engraftment of human cells in vivo; iv) collection and preparation of tissue samples for in situ analysis of sphingolipids using MALDI; v) Biobanking of samples for future and/or collaborative studies; and vi) access, use and coordination with other critical relevant shared resources available through the Cancer Center and/or University. To this end the SACP Core has 3 Specific Aims: Aim 1. Provide investigators with the necessary resources to implement in vivo models of cancer; Aim 2. Enable the execution of preclinical and translational models in carcinogenesis, as well as Biobanking of samples; and Aim 3. Advance the impact of in vivo research using Shared Resources, animal model alternatives, and data management. The services and expertise of the SACP Core will facilitate in vivo research outlined in this proposal and will provide the expertise to support the Project Investigators. With the incorporation of carcinogenesis models, animal models of chemotherapy, and GEMMs in sphingolipids, the SACP Core is evolving as a unique and enabling Core that is critical for the success of the Program Projects and their advancement to preclinical studies.