A principle objective of our laboratory is to understand the basic cell biology of neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric solid tumor, accounting for 7-10% of all childhood cancer. Malignant (stage IV) Neuroblastoma manifests as an aggressive, disseminated disease characterized by widespread dissemination of the tumor in vivo. These events are facilitated by modifications in gene expression associated with aggressive disease. Among these are the down regulation of the "suicide protein" caspase 8, and alterations to cellular receptors for extracellular matrix proteins such as collagens.
We have found that these systems and others collaborate to promote a metastatic phenotype in these cells. The receptors for extracellular matrix - "Integrins" act to promote apoptosis when they are unbound (or antagonized) via the activation of caspases. The system is not unique to neuroblastoma, but also appears to regulate survival in many other invasive cells.
A secondary interest of the Stupack lab include ongoing investigations into the regulation of angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels which nourish tumors and permit their growth. We are also very interested in developing new methods to attack tumors, and have substantial interactions in the Moores Cancer Center Chemical Biology program as well as the Nanotechnology Center.
