IGF  Signaling Pathway

IGF2 is a developmentally important mitogenic factor that is one of the most upregulated genes in the vast majority of sporadic adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC).  In addition, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is a rare disorder in which patients display a strong predisposition to certain tumors including ACC.   Patients with this condition also show increased IGF2 expression.  Our current efforts are aimed at pharmacologically targeting the IGF2 pathway in ACC cell lines and tumor xenografts to inhibit the pathway and functionally characterize the cytotoxic effects of test agents.  These current and future studies are underway with the hope they may provide new insights towards designing novel therapies in the treatment of adrenocortical carcinomas.