Regulation and epigenetic modulation of EpCAM gene expression in ovarian cancer

PhD ceremony: Ms. B.T.F. van der Gun, 13.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Thesis: Regulation and epigenetic modulation of EpCAM gene expression in ovarian cancer

Promotor(s): prof. M.G. Rots, prof. L.F.M.H. de Leij

Faculty: Medical Sciences

The Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) is a protein that is abundantly present on the surface of tumor cells of almost all carcinoma types. Inhibition of the production of this protein decreases aggressiveness of the tumor cells in some carcinoma types, for example in breast cancer. However, until now, protein production can only be reduced transiently. In this research the regulation of the gene which encodes for the EpCAM protein is studied and three methods has been developed to silence EpCAM gene expression in a permanent manner.