School of Biomedical Sciences cordially invites you to join the following seminar:

Speaker: Dr Kuo-Chiang Hsia, Associate Research Fellow, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan
Talk Title: Microtubule-associated proteins as targets in cancer chemotherapy

Date: 5 August 2024 (Monday)
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Seminar Room 4, G/F, Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Road
Host: Professor Jeff Ti

Biography

My research delves into the intricate organization and functionality of micron-sized microtubule arrays, focusing on their roles in mitosis progression, ciliogenesis, and neuronal maturation. Additionally, I explore the molecular mechanisms behind cancer drug resistance, given tubulin's critical role as a target for anti-cancer drugs. Our objective is to gain a deeper understanding of cancer drug resistance and discover new pathways for developing more effective cancer treatments. In the lab, we utilize an interdisciplinary approach encompassing biochemical, structural biology, biophysical, and cell biology methods to uncover cellular mechanisms. Ultimately, our goal is to reveal the mechanistic connections between cytoskeletal organization and essential cellular functions.

Abstract

Microtubule and tubulin-binding agents, like taxane and vinca alkaloids, are crucial for cancer treatment, but resistance reduces their effectiveness. Emerging research suggests that dysregulation of microtubule-associated proteins is linked to drug resistance and tumorigenesis, presenting new therapeutic targets. Our study reveals that (1) HURP (hepatoma up-regulated protein), overexpressed in various cancers, competes with vinorelbine by interacting with the vinca domain on β-tubulin. This interaction hampers vinorelbine's ability to inhibit microtubule growth in vitro and in vivo, elucidating a mechanism of drug resistance in HURP-overexpressing cancer cells. (2) HSET, a non-processive microtubule motor, coalesces condensates formed by the centrosome protein CDK5RAP2 in vivo. HSET transports CDK5RAP2 condensates to the minus ends of microtubules, suggesting its involvement in centrosome clustering essential for cancer cell survival. These findings underscore HURP and HSET as therapeutic targets to improve cancer treatment strategies.

ALL ARE WELCOME
Should you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact Miss Crystal Chan at 3917 6830.