Impact of IGFBP-3 and TGF- ß in melanoma progression

1) The Insulin like Growth Factor System in malignant melanoma:

The Insulin like Growth Factors of proteins (IGFs), their Binding Proteins (IGFBPs) and Receptors (IGF-R) play multiple roles in cell growth, metabolism and development. Deregulation of the Insulin like Growth Factor system has been implicated in the development of many common cancer types, melanoma included. Insulin like growth factor 3 binding protein (IGFBP-3) is the main binding protein of IGF-1 and regulator of IGF activity. IGFBP-3 has been suggested to have both tumor protective and promoting effects in melanoma, and is emerging as a possible intervention point in cancer therapy. The group is currently working on characterizing the expression level, the biological effects and regulation of IGFBP-3 in malignant melanomas. For more information contact Geir Frode Øy.

2) Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-ß) signaling in malignant melanoma:

The TGF-ß family of autocrine growth factors has been the focus of immense studies in the field of cancer therapy. During progression from radial, vertical to metastatic phenotype, melanoma cells have been shown to develop from being growth inhibited to growth stimulated by TGF- ß. Due to the dual nature of TGF-ß as a tumor suppressor, the effects on antagonizing this pathway could aggravate tumorigenesis.
The group is currently working on characterizing and identifying traits which the tumor promoting role of TGF-ß predominates. We also investigate the effects of a small molecular inhibitor LY2109761 of TßRI/II on TGF-ß1 induced signaling in a panel of melanoma cell lines, and look at cooperation between TGF-ß and IGFBP-3 signaling. For more information contact Geir Frode Øy.