Evaluation of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in the Growth of Myogenic Sarcomas
Focusing on Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), Dr. Lee is aware that one gene called “Patched” is implicated in RMS development in a mouse system which has a so-called “knock-out” mutation in that gene. Dr. Lee will study the molecular mechanisms of how RMS grows in this mouse model by isolating the tumor cells and checking the genetic pathways linked to the Patched gene. Such mice also get other sarcomas and he will also test them in a similar manner to see if this pathway is crucial for the growth of a variety of sarcomas. He will then compare his results with results from other tested genetic pathways to decide their relative importance in maintaining growth of these sarcomas. Ultimately, his research will lead to a better understanding of how various sarcomas grow. As mentioned at the Gala event luncheon, researchers need to check each and every genetic pathway to find the key to growth and blocking growth of sarcomas.