Research

QBCF Strategic program

Research factsheet

PROFESSEUR MOULAY ALOUI-JAMALI

LADY DAVIS INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH, JEWISH GENERAL HOSPITAL, MONTRÉAL

PROJECT TITLE Focal adhesion regulators of early invasive breast cancer:  Therapeutic targeting in preclinical models and clinical validation in progressive breast cancer

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Alaoui-Jamali, Moulay, PhD, Professor of Oncology and Senior Scientist

INSTITUTE Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal

CO-APPLICANTS Tarek Bismar, MD; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill

University Krikor Bijian, PhD; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill University

TOTAL RESEARCH BUDGET $450 000

NON-SCIENTIFIC SUMMARY*:

A crucial early event by which breast cancer cells switch from localized to invasive states is initiated by the acquisition of autonomous motile properties; a process regulated by focal adhesion signaling, tissue microenvironment and host factors.

This laboratory has made a significant progress in understanding the biology of focal adhesions in relation to breast cancer cell migration and invasion. The overall goal of this proposal is to use "smart" small molecules to disrupt focal adhesion protein circuits that regulate cancer cell migration and dissemination and prevent/manage breast cancer metastases.

Our specific objectives are to translate our basic findings into clinically useful targeted therapeutic agents for invasive breast disease using clinical relevant preclinical models, human tissues, and comprehensive pharmacological studies. Such information will speed the move toward human clinical trials and hence accelerate our strides towards discovery of efficient therapeutic agents for patients with metastatic disease.

*This document is a non-scientific summary.