Calcium signalling regulation in cancer cells

Calcium ions act as second messenger in the cell. In our laboratory, we have shown that calcium concentration varies with the differentiation of haematopoietic stem cells in to myeloid lineage. During leukemic transformation of the myeloid blasts cells, calcium ions levels show significant variation and can contribute in differentiation block of the leukemic cells. Our hypothesis is that such subtle changes in Ca++ levels are important and can modulate differentiation signalling in the stem cells.

We want to test Ca++ levels during the differentiation of the haematopoietic cells with the calcium modulator and ER stress inducing drugs including Thapsigargin. Changing calcium ion levels should change the signalling profile of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) inducing the differentiation. Given such changes can be modulated using both drugs and external calcium ion concentration we want to test different intracellular concentration of calcium ion to test which concentration is inducing or augmenting oncogenesis in leukemic cells. Such changes in calcium ion concentration can be used as therapy or to get additive effect along with chemotherapy to eradicate cancer cells.

In this project we will be using bone marrow haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells to test this hypothesis. Work will involve, extensive cell biology techniques including single live cell imaging, FACS, and gene expression analysis. This study will highlight role of small second messengers in malignant transformation of cells, and may highlight importance of drug repositioning for Ca++ modulation within the cells.

Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Dr Athar Aziz, [Email Address Removed]

For more information on research within the School of Environment and Life Sciences please visit the School research website www.salford.ac.uk/environment-life-sciences/research