This project will take place in two parts, with Part 1 performed under the supervision of established investigator Dr. Lynne-Marie Postovit and Part 2 as a newly independent investigator.

Part 1:

The proteome is a term used to describe the entire set of proteins that is or can be expressed by a cell, tissue or organism. A specific technique called mass spectrometry is a powerful tool to study the proteome of cancer cells and biological fluids. In this study, Dr. Cooper will use mass spectrometry to profile changes in the proteome and secretome (the subset of proteins secreted into the extracellular space) within ovarian cancer cell lines and biologic fluids obtained from patients (e.g., ascites, plasma).

The aim of this study is to understand how ovarian cancer cells can adapt to stress in their environment and regulate protein secretion, with the goal of uncovering novel biomarkers of early-stage disease.

Part 2:

Recent studies suggest that the ovarian cancer secretome plays a critical role in tumour progression and adaptation within the tumor microenvironment (called the “TME”). As a newly independent investigator, Dr. Cooper will dissect the roles of two specific proteins, called NODAL and MEST, in regulating these processes. By investigating how these proteins shape the ovarian cancer secretome and TME, Dr. Cooper seeks to identify novel therapeutic targets that can curb tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance.