The Arkansas Integrative Metabolic Research Center will host Yuchun Du, associate professor of biological sciences, at 12:55 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, in Bell Engineering room 2267. In his talk, he will discuss the use of proteomics to identify potential biomarkers from exosomes derived from breast cancer cells for cancer detection.

Abstract: Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)is a nuclear transcription factor that controls the expression of estrogen-responsive genes. ERα,along with its cognate ligand, estrogen, plays a crucial role in breast cancer pathogenesis and hormone therapy resistance. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying ERαtranscriptional regulation remain elusive. Du's lab utilizes quantitative proteomics to identify novel proteins that regulate ERαtranscriptional activities. Among these, Histone Acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1) was identified as a protein interacting with ERαin breast cancer cells. Functional studies revealed that HAT1 represses ERαtranscriptional activities and modulates breast cancer cell plasticity by shaping the landscape of ERα-mediated gene expression. Additionally, Dr. Du will discuss the use of quantitative proteomics to identify potential biomarkers from exosomes derived from breast cancer cells for cancer detection.

Biography: Du is an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the U of A. The primary focus of Du's lab is to identify and characterize novel proteins involved in breast cancer development using a combination of quantitative proteomics, protein biochemistry and molecular and cell biology techniques. Du is also dedicated to leveraging quantitative proteomics to identify exosomal proteins that could serve as biomarkers for breast cancer detection. Research in Du's lab has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and other agencies.

This event is supported by NIGMS of the National Institutes of Health under award number P20GM139768. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Pizza and beverages will be served. Please contact Kimberley Fuller, fullerk@uark.edu, for more information.

For those unable to attend in person, this seminar will also be available via Zoom.