Investigating the effects of SFK overexpression on the development of cancer in zebrafish

Max Williams     

SRC Family Kinases (SFKs) are key regulatory kinases, involved in the cell signaling related to scheduled cell death and cell division. SFKs are aberrantly activated in many cancers, such as breast, prostate, and non-small cell lung cancer. Much of the current research focuses on a single family member, SRC. Additionally, given their role in cancer signaling, most of what is known about these kinases comes from cancer research. Thus, we aim to investigate the role of the different SFK members in zebrafish, starting with zebrafish development using embryos. We hypothesize that modulation of these kinases will have distinct phenotypic effects in normal zebrafish development, varying based on the tissue or developmental stage in which the change occurs. To test the effects of SFK overexpression in cells, plasmid DNA encoding these proteins of interest will be microinjected into zebrafish embryos. Development of these embryos will be monitored, and any impacts or changes to the development of the organ systems will be evaluated. Additionally, gene and protein expression of these SFK members will be tested against control embryos to determine if there is cross-regulation of the family. SFKs interact with, and mediate the signals from, a variety of cell surface receptors, including receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and G-coupled protein receptors. Because of this, the difference in expression of common signaling pathways will be measured for correlation with any observed phenotypic irregularities that appear. Of particular note will be phenotypic irregularities similar to symptoms of cancer, namely uninhibited cell proliferation or insufficient apoptotic activity.    

• Max Williams is a junior biology major. He is a member of the Tribeta National Biological Honors Society and plans to pursue a career in genetics research.