Degree
Master of Science
Program
Anatomy and Cell Biology
Supervisor
Shepherd, Trevor G.
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) metastasis lies in the process of spheroid formation, whereby tumour cells aggregate into 3D structures. Previous literature suggests that as EOC cells form spheroids they undergo bioenergetic stress, activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, and thereby force cells to enter a metabolically quiescent state. We have previously shown that EOC spheroids up- regulate autophagy, a process that provides energy during starvation conditions. Herein, I examined the role of AMPK-mediated signaling regulation of autophagy in a model of ovarian tumour dormancy. Attenuation of AMPK signaling in EOC spheroids resulted in reduction of autophagic flux in all EOC lines although this reduction may occur in an LC3 and p62 independent manner. Interestingly, I identified that AMPK activation in spheroids is likely regulated by CAMKK-beta. The results of this study help further our understanding of the complex mechanisms driving autophagy in late-stage ovarian cancer.
Recommended Citation
Laski, Jeremi, "AMPK Signalling As A Regulator Of Autophagy In A Model Of Ovarian Tumour Dormancy" (2019). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 6229.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/6229
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.