Tumors frequently express genes that are otherwise restricted to gametogenic tissues, including the ovary, placenta, and testis. This group of ~150 genes, known as cancer-testes antigens (CT-antigens) or cancer-germline genes, were originally identified by the humoral immune response they invoked in cancer patients. Activation of a number of these genes can portend poor survival.
Significantly, the biased expression pattern of CT-antigens affords the potential for an extraordinary therapeutic window, if they are required for tumor cell proliferation and survival. However, little is known regarding the role of these proteins in tumors cells.
Our group investigates the contribution of these aberrantly expressed proteins to tumorigenic behaviors. We use a combination of functional genomics, proteomics, biochemistry, cell biology, and whole-animal approaches to understand how these proteins may be essential for tumorigenic behaviors.