Date of Award
2011
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Anatomy and Cell Biology
Supervisor
Dr. Trevor Shepherd
Second Advisor
Dr. Gabriel DiMattia
Abstract
Current limitations regarding the treatment of metastatic epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are attributed to our poor overall understanding of its progression due to the limited number of appropriate model systems. To this end, I have characterized EOC tumour growth and angiogenesis using the innovative chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model system. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has been implicated in multiple processes of EOC metastasis, although its role in tumour angiogenesis has never been assessed. I found an inverse correlation between the level of BMP signaling in mouse EOC cells and their abilities to induce angiogenesis both in vitro using HUVEC tube formation assays and in vivo using a chick CAM angiogenesis collagen onplant assay. These results support the further implementation of the chick CAM as an important tool to study EOC metastasis. Additionally, the putative anti-angiogenic role of BMP4 signaling from my work highlights potential future implications for this pathway in prognostics and treatment of EOC.
Recommended Citation
Reed, Jason Matthew, "INCREASED BMP SIGNALING DECREASES EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER TUMOUR GROWTH ON THE CHICK CAM BY INHIBITING ANGIOGENESIS" (2011). Digitized Theses. 3400.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/3400