Stephen L. Rose, M.D.
The University of Wisconsin, Madison
The Notch 1 Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Cancer
Project Summary
Our research laboratory is currently studying the role of Notch 1 in ovarian cancer. Notch 1 is located on the surface of some types of cancer cells and has been found to play a role in cancer development and progression in some human tumors. Notch 1 must undergo modification by an enzyme called gamma-secretase to become active. Studies in pancreatic cancer and Kaposi's sarcoma have found that inhibiting the enzymatic action of gamma-secretase can not only decrease the levels of active Notch 1, but also inhibit tumor cell growth.
Preliminary work in our laboratory has found that Notch 1 is expressed at a high level in ovarian cancer cells. In addition, we have found that treatment with a gamma-secretase inhibitor can reduce levels of active Notch 1 in these cells. Additional work is underway to determine if Notch 1 inhibition can consistently reduce ovarian cancer cell growth. We hope that by further investigating the Notch 1 pathway in ovarian cancer, we may discover new therapeutic targets that will lead to improved outcomes and quality of life for women who suffer from this disease
Bio
Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Rose is a member of the Gynecologic Oncology staff, specializing in the surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment of gynecologic cancers. He is a 2007 Liz Tilberis Scholars award winner from the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Inc. for his laboratory research on the role of Notch pathway signaling in ovarian cancer. His research interests include quality of life issues for gynecologic cancer patients, gynecologic cancer survivorship, and basic and translational science research of gynecologic cancers.
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