Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM)

The aim of the study is to investigate the interaction between the Wnt –and Notch-pathways with focus of Wnt pathway regulation of the Notch-pathway, and if this process is important for colorectal cancer development and/or progression.

We will use human colorectal cell line HT29 were both endogenous APC alleles contain truncated mutations, leading to continuously Wnt pathway activation. By inserting a vector containing a zinc-inducible APC gene (HT29-APC) makes us control the deactivation of the Wnt pathway. We will also use a control cell line containing an analogous inducible lacZ gene (HT29-βgal).

By treating the HT29 cells with DAPT, a gamma-secretase inhibitor which prevents release of Notch intracellular domain, we will examine what happens with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling when the Notch pathway is inhibited.