Page 60 - Hormel Report 2023

Tianshun Zhang, PhD
“Our research explores the intricate landscape of signaling pathways in cancer development, unraveling the multifaceted interplay between tumors and their microenvironment. This endeavor holds immense potential to illuminate the fundamental mechanisms driving cancer progression, metastasis, and the challenging development of resistance against diverse therapeutic approaches. By deciphering the complex crosstalk between tumors and their surroundings,
we strive to reveal novel therapeutic targets and strategies that could
revolutionize cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes.”
Tianshun Zhang
60 | THE HORMEL INSTITUTE // UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Molecular Biology of Chronic Disease
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Our research is dedicated to revealing fundamental mechanistic insights intend- ed for the prevention and treatment of
chronic diseases, with a specific emphasis on cancer. We are particularly dedicated to inves- tigating the molecular and cellular aspects of chronic conditions, with a primary focus on cancer-related signaling pathways. Furthermore, we endeavor to untangle the intricate interac- tions occurring between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, which wield critical influence over cancer progression, metastasis, and the emergence of resistance to various therapeutic interventions (Fig. 1).
Targeting TOPK/PRPK Prevents Solar UV-Induced Skin Cancer.
Solar ultraviolet (UV) light, an environmental carcinogen, triggers inflammation and cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cases are
rising annually. Reducing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) occurrence is vital to curbing high treatment costs and severe out- comes. We’ve identified two promising protein targets—T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) and p53-related protein kinase (PRPK)— linked to UV-induced skin cancer. TOPK, a MAPKK family member, influences tumor growth, apoptosis, and inflammation in NMSC. PRPK, downstream of TOPK, is also pivotal in skin cancer (Fig. 2). This project aims to uncover their roles in solar UV-induced skin cancer and test novel inhibitors’ efficacy. Our hypothesis: TOPK and PRPK drive solar UV-induced skin cancer and offer diagnostic markers and ther- apeutic targets. Our initial data show targeting them markedly prevents solar UV-induced skin cancer, challenging the belief that skin cancer
is unavoidable. This study is part of a P01 grant with the University of Arizona.