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Evolution of transmissible cancers and genetics of host resistance

Award Number: K22CA226047
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/01/2018
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2021

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Evolution of transmissible cancers and genetics of host resistance - SUMMARY: Cancer is not a single event. It continues to evolve as is multiplies, spreads through its host, and evades its host’s basic mechanisms of recognition. We identified a retrotransposon, Steamer, amplified in a leukemia-like disease in soft-shell clams. Through investigation of integration sites of the Steamer retrotransposon, mtDNA SNPs, and polymorphic microsatellites, I discovered that the disease is spread by horizontal transmission of leukemic cells themselves, acting as a contagious cancer, and we have found that this is a widespread phenomenon in multiple bivalves. Based on my preliminary investigations while under the mentorship of Dr. Stephen Goff at Columbia University, I propose to investigate the evolution of transmissible cancers and the role of the retroelement, Steamer, in development of the disease as well as the mechanism of transmission of M. arenaria leukemia and the development of host resistance. This research will build on my previous training in retrovirology and cancer biology as I transition into independent academic research position where I will develop this cancer system as a unique model of leukemia. This will be done in three independent, but interconnected aims: (1) Investigate the mutations and selective pressures which drive cancer evolution including the role of the Steamer retrotransposon, (2) determine the route and mechanism of cancer cell transmission, and (3) identify the host genetic determinants of cancer cell engraftment/rejection. This unique invertebrate cancer model will allow us to learn more about cancer evolution and the role of retroelements in cancer, and to investigate leukemia acquisition and fundamental mechanisms of self/nonself recognition.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $19,601 )
2023	2020	PACIFIC NW RESEARCH INSTITUTE	720 BROADWAY	SEATTLE	WA	98122	KING	USA	Cancer Research Manpower	000	3	11/23/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$19,601
														Subtotal = $19,601

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = -$19,601 )
2022	2020	PACIFIC NW RESEARCH INSTITUTE	720 BROADWAY	SEATTLE	WA	98122	KING	USA	Cancer Research Manpower	000	3	12/21/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$19,601
														Subtotal = -$19,601

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $193,017 )
2020	2020	PACIFIC NORTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE	720 BROADWAY	SEATTLE	WA	98122	KING	USA	Cancer Research Manpower	000	3	3/23/2020	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$193,017
														Subtotal = $193,017

Issue Date FY: 2019 ( Subtotal = $193,017 )
2019	2019	PACIFIC NORTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE	720 BROADWAY	SEATTLE	WA	98122	KING	USA	Cancer Research Manpower	000	2	3/25/2019	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$193,017
														Subtotal = $193,017

Issue Date FY: 2018 ( Subtotal = $193,017 )
2018	2018	PACIFIC NORTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE	720 BROADWAY	SEATTLE	WA	98122	KING	USA	Cancer Research Manpower	000	1	4/26/2018	NEW	$193,017
														Subtotal = $193,017

Grand Total All Awards = $579,051

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Evolution of transmissible cancers and genetics of host resistance

Award Number: K22CA226047

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/01/2018

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2021

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