Preesha Kothari

What are the unidentified genes involved in the development and progression of epithelial ovarian cancer, beyond the well-established major genes, and how do they contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease?

Started June 4, 2023

Abstract or project description

Ovarian cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease, with a significant hereditary component. While major genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been extensively studied in relation to ovarian carcinoma risk, there remains a need to identify additional genes involved in the development and progression of this devastating disease. This research aims to uncover unidentified genes beyond the well-established major genes and investigate their contributions to the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. To achieve this, I will gather and analyze data from the NHGRI-EBI GWAS database and the Cancer DepMap portal. These valuable resources will provide insights into less well-characterized genes associated with ovarian carcinoma risk. By exploring the effects of mutations in these genes, the research aims to shed light on their potential roles as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in the context of ovarian cancer. Moreover, the project will examine the prevalence of tumor suppressor genes versus oncogenes among the identified genes, aiming to discern the common genetic alterations in ovarian cancer. By studying these genetic profiles, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving hereditary ovarian cancer can be achieved, potentially leading to improved risk assessment, diagnosis, and personalized treatment strategies. The research project's findings have the potential to contribute significantly to our understanding of the genes underlying hereditary ovarian cancer. Through the identification and characterization of novel genes involved in epithelial ovarian carcinoma, this study seeks to fill the gaps in knowledge regarding genes whose effects in ovarian cancer remain unclear. Ultimately, these findings may pave the way for future advancements in precision medicine approaches and therapeutic interventions for ovarian cancer patients