CITED1 nuclear localization and its role in Wilms' tumor pathogenesis

Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN

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Abstract

This proposal outlines the transition from the mentored (K99) to the Independent (ROO) phases of the Pathway to Independence Award, CITED1 nuclear localization and its role in Wilms'tumor pathogenesis. In the initial mentored phase. Dr. Lovvorn has shown the necessary readiness for scientific independence Adhering to the study aims and career development plan outlined in the original K99 proposal, Dr. Lovvorn has developed specific expertise in the areas of kidney and liver embryology and has applied these techniques to his studies of the embryonal malignancies, Wilms'tumor and hepatoblastoma. Dr. Lovvorn has worked closely with his Inspiring mentor, Dr. Mark de Caestecker, to acquire this unique skill set in Developmental and Cancer biology. This background will serve Dr. Lovvorn well as he continues to pursue the mysteries of embryonal tumorigenesis as a model of dysregulated organ differentiation and failed organ maturation. Importantly during these twenty months of rigorous mentoring. Dr. Lovvorn has shown in his studies testing the functional significance of aberrant sub-cellular trafficking of the transcriptional activator CITED1 that nuclear enrichment is pathogenic in vitro, as mutation of the CITED1 nuclear export signal results in increased colony formation in anchorage-independent growth assays, enhances Wilms'tumor cell Invasiveness and increases proliferative responses. These studies will soon be extended to an In vivo heterotransplant model and will be validated further using an exciting and novel Wilms'tumor cell line that Dr. Lovvorn and an NCI collaborator have established during this phase. Dr. Lovvorn has made additional progress in his principle study aims to clarify the mechanism regulating nuclear enrichment of CITED1 In Wilms'tumor using a proteomic approach to identify binding partners that function as shuttling chaperones or retention factors, while also using a gene expression array to identify potential targets of CITEDI activation. Regarding his career development plan. Dr. Lovvorn has completed course work in developmental and cancer biology, the responsible conduct of research and an AACR symposium devoted to transitioning from K to R01 awards. Dr. Lovvorn has secured his own research space entirely separate from his mentor, and this laboratory is fully equipped for completing his remaining study aims, which have not changed. As further evidence for readiness as an independent investigator, Dr. Lovvorn submitted in 2/10 an R21 proposal to the NCI to study the biological basis for racial disparities in Wilms'tumor incidence and behavior, which also will include a multi-institutional and collaborative global health initiative studying at-risk Kenyan children. Finally, the continued success of Dr. Lovvorn's research has attracted two post-doctoral research fellows (T32 awardees) who wish to study mechanisms regulating Wilms'tumorigenesis, further attesting to his readiness for scientific independence. The current ROO proposal summarizes Dr. Lovvorn's research progress to date and outlines his plan to complete his existing study aims and his timeline to secure R01 funding.