Modulating the Cancerous Effects of the Oncogene Src

Cancer is a notable disease due to its prevalence historically and geographically as well as its complexity. Cancer is driven by oncogenes, genes that cause normal cells to turn cancerous. Src is a notable oncogene in that it is present in several common cancers; colon, breast, and prostate cancer. Dr. Sauedo’s lab has demonstrated an interesting relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive chemical compounds produced via cellular energy production, and Src. Over expression of Src and increased ROS levels allow a tumor to form. However it is unclear how changing Src expression and increasing of ROS levels allows tumor growth. The purpose of this study is to identify what combination of mechanisms, cellular migration or proliferation and cell death, allow the tumor to form by using Drosophila melanogaster, the common fruit fly, as the model organism. Through identifying the different effects Src and ROS interactions have on cells, we will provide insight on how antioxidant cancer treatments, which target ROS, can be used effectively against Src-driven cancers