Project Details

We have recently discovered a subset of colon cancers in which the cytoskeletal protein, villin, is completely absent. Remarkably, loss of villin occurs selectively in colon cancers with a characteristic known as “microsatellite instability” or MSI. Cancers with this characteristic are less likely to metastasize and have a better outcome. This honours project will examine whether the villin protein is required for tumour cell metastasis and whether its loss is responsible for the lower metastatic rates of MSI colon cancers. The project will involve working with colon cancer cell lines and reintroduction of the villin gene into villin- negative cells. The effect of villin on migration and metastasis of these cells will then be studied in vitro and in a mouse model. The project will also involve working with villin knockout mice to study the role of villin on normal intestinal cell migration. The significance of this study is that demonstration of a pro-metastatic role for villin in colon cancer will provide novel insight into the metastatic process and identify a novel candidate for targeted treatment. The project will provide the student with a sound introduction to fundamental concepts in cancer biology, and experience in cell biology, molecular biology and animal (mouse) studies. This Hons project will be conducted in the Oncogenic Transcription Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg.

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