Finding New Genetic Targets for Treating Prostate and Ovarian Disease

Researchers at Roswell Park are studying a family of genes called cancer germline (CG) antigens.

Within many families, members tend to express similar characteristics, whether it’s having blue eyes, an affinity for sports, or a quirky manner of speech. These characteristics often result from a combination of both genetics, such as eye color, and environment, such as growing up in a home of football fans. Thanks to generous donations, researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) are exploring this idea as it relates to cancer by studying a family of genes called cancer germline (CG) antigens.

It’s a big family—there are over 130 genes in the group. The genes are involved in the body’s immune responses. They are also important targets of anti-cancer vaccines now in clinical development.

Because these genes demonstrate a unique pattern of expression in cancer, scientists believe that this expression is controlled by a common factor, or set of factors.  Some factors are already known, and are called epigenetic events.  Other genetic factors may also control whether these genes are expressed in particular cancers.  

Adam Karpf, PhD, an Associate Member in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, is leading a team to investigate the alternative factors that activate this gene family in cancer. He believes these factors could drive the genes’ expression in prostate and ovarian cancers. By identifying these possibly immune-related factors, Karpf hopes it could lead to improved treatments.

“Immuno-therapeutic approaches are a promising avenue for new cancer treatments in both prostate and ovarian cancers,” says Dr. Karpf. “Finding a new target for these would be a significant advance in the field.”