No abstract

The mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix within tumours control multiple cellular functions that drive cancer invasion and metastasis. However, the mechanisms controlling microenvironmental force sensation and transmission, and how these regulate transcriptional reprogramming and invasion, are unclear. Our aim was to understand how mechanical inputs are transmitted bidirectionally and translated into biochemical and transcriptional outputs to drive breast cancer progression. We reveal that adhesion receptor and growth factor receptor crosstalk regulates a bidirectional feedback mechanism co-ordinating force-dependent transcriptional regulation and invasion.Integrin αVβ6 drives invasion in a range of carcinomas and is a potential therapeutic target. αVβ6 exhibits unique biophysical properties that promote force-generation and increase matrix rigidity. We employed an inter-disciplinary approach incorporating proteomics, biophysical techniques and multimodal live-cell imaging to dissect the role of αVβ6-EGFR crosstalk on transmission of mechanical signals bidirectionally between the extracellular matrix and nucleus.We show that αVβ6 expression correlates with poor prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and drives invasion of TNBC cells. Moreover, our data show that a complex regulatory mechanism exists involving crosstalk between αVβ6 integrin and EGFR that impacts matrix stiffness, force transmission to the nucleus, transcriptional reprogramming and microenvironment rigidity. αVβ6 engagement triggers EGFR & MAPK signalling and αVβ6-EGFR crosstalk regulates mutual receptor trafficking mechanisms. Consequently, EGF stimulation suppresses αVβ6-mediated force-application on the matrix and nuclear shuttling of force-dependent transcriptional co-activators YAP/TAZ. Finally, we show that crosstalk between αVβ6 & EGFR regulates TNBC invasion. We propose a model whereby αVβ6-EGFR crosstalk regulates matrix stiffening, but also the transmission of extracellular forces into the cell in order to co-ordinate transcriptional reprogramming and invasion. To exploit adhesion receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases therapeutically, it will be essential to understand the integration of their signalling functions and how crosstalk mechanisms influence invasion and the response of tumours to molecular therapeutics. Regulation of TP53 Activity through Phosphorylation Regulation of TP53 ActivityRNA Polymerase II Transcription Gene expression (Transcription) Transcriptional Regulation by TP53 Generic Transcription Pathway Costimulation by the CD28 family CD28 dependent PI3K/Akt signaling CD28 co-stimulation VEGFR2 mediated vascular permeability Intracellular signaling by second messengers PIP3 activates AKT signaling Constitutive Signaling by AKT1 E17K in Cancer AKT-mediated inactivation of FOXO1A Regulation of TP53 Activity through Association with Co-factors AKT phosphorylates targets in the nucleus RUNX2 regulates genes involved in cell migration AKT phosphorylates targets in the cytosol Downregulation of ERBB2:...

The reasons for an increase in barley loose smut in high rainfall areas of Western Australia were investigated in field trials from 1986 to 1988 by examining the effects of environment, cultivar and adequacy of chemical control. Disease was 4-18 times greater in 2 seed lines produced in very high rainfall areas (>750 mm/year) compared with that produced in high (450-750 mm/year) or low (<325 mm/year) rainfall areas. The effectiveness of 5 fungicide seed treatments was assessed. No fungicide seed treatment controlled disease completely. Triadimenol at 225 mg a.i./kg and carboxin at 940 mg a.i./kg were most effective, providing 93-96% disease control. Treatments were significantly (P<0.01) less effective in high rainfall areas of Western Australia. Barley cultivars released recently in Western Australia were found to be susceptible to loose smut; we suggest that the replacement of the moderately resistant Dampier with these cultivars has contributed to an increased incidence of disease.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Survival rates for colorectal cancer in most other European countries are higher than in the UK. As survival depends on stage at diagnosis, delays in diagnosis potentially play a significant role in these differences.The aim of this study is to provide a rich and detailed description of the 'journey' from the pre-symptomatic phase through to diagnosis, in order to identify and explain diagnostic delays (patient, primary care and secondary care delays) in colorectal cancer, and to suggest strategies for addressing delays.This aim will be met through the following objectives: