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Sanaz Memarzadeh, Ph.D.
University of California, Los Angeles
Implication of Paracrine Growth Factor Signaling in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
Project Summary
The overall objective of this study is to examine the role of paracrine mediate growth factor signaling in initiation and progression of epithelial ovarian cancer. The importance of bidirectional cross-talk between epithelium and mesenchyme is critical in cancer initiation and progression in many epithelial tumor models. Stromal mediated secretion of growth factors is one mechanism by which epithelial and stromal interactions can be mediated. Synergistic genetic events through stroma and then epithelium can provide a plausible explanation for cancer progression. Growth factors have proven to be oncogenic in several tumors, and in vitro studies support a role for growth factor mediated proliferation of epithelial ovarian cancer cells. The role of paracrine mediated growth factor signaling has not been tested in an in vivo epithelial ovarian cancer model. Using an in vivo ovarian regeneration model, we plan to test the role of paracrine growth factors FGF10, EGF and HGF in initiation and progression of epithelial ovarian cancer. We will also examine possible synergy between stromal expression of growth factors FGF10, EGF or HGF and cell autonomous changes in OSE, such as expression of activated AKT or Kras. Our proposed model allows for genetic manipulation of stroma and/or epithelium concomitantly or independently and will be a valuable addition to the existing mouse model systems for epithelial ovarian cancer. This study could provide significant insight into the pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer and may identify the stromal growth factor signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target.
Bio Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh is a board certified gynecologic oncologist. She specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all gynecologic pre-invasive and invasive diseases. She has completed her residency at the UCLA medical Center. After the conclusion of her formal residency, she completed a three year fellowship training in gynecologic oncology at the UCLA Medical Center. This fellowship is designed to meet the subspecialty requirements of the Gynecologic Oncology Division of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and functions in concert with the Gynecologic Oncology Divisions at Cedars-Sinai and Kaiser Permanente. This fellowship has provided her with advanced surgical training for treatment of gynecologic cancers in addition to training in administration of chemotherapy and care for cancer patients.
Following her fellowship, Dr. Memarzadeh completed a Ph.D. in the department of Molecular Biology at UCLA. Dr. Memarzadeh performs basic science research at UCLA focusing on molecular pathways that lead to the development of gynecologic cancers. She has won multiple awards including the Reproductive Scientist Developmental Grant, the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation Grant and a Gynecologic Cancer Foundation award. Dr. Memarzadeh has authored many published articles in respected journals and textbook chapters.
Dr. Memarzadeh currently maintains staff and operating room privileges at UCLA Westwood. She is accepting new patients seeking care in all aspects of gynecologic cancer or pre-cancerous diseases.
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