Date of Award

Spring 4-12-2024

Embargo Period

4-12-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Biomedical Science

Department

Microbiology and Immunology

College

College of Graduate Studies

First Advisor

Chenthamarakshan Vasu

Second Advisor

Radhika Gudi

Abstract

In eukaryotic cells, centrosomes are membrane-less organelles that function as the primary microtubules organizing center with a crucial role in cell division. For accurate bipolar spindle assembly and genetic transmission between generations, fidelity in centriolar duplication is critical. Disruption in this process can cause genomic instability, which could then lead to conditions like aneuploidy, a common feature of various cancers. Among the numerous proteins associated with mammalian centrioles, the centrosomal P4.1 associated protein (CPAP) stands out for its essential role in regulating centriole duplication. Dysfunctions in CPAP have been linked to abnormalities in centriole length that can contribute to conditions ranging from ciliopathies, immune dysfunction, and cancer.

Recent discoveries in our lab have shed light on CPAP's involvement in endocytic vesicular transport and are investigating its implications in cancer control. Specifically, defective CPAP function in oral cancer cell lines has been associated with constitutive signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor, heightened epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and enhanced spontaneous tumorigenic properties, suggesting a potential role for CPAP as a tumor suppressor protein.

Building on these findings, my research aimed to investigate the impact of CPAP dysfunction on tumorigenesis, by utilizing a hypomorphic mouse model. We evaluated the EMT features of both, primary and immortalized, lung as well as tongue-derived fibroblasts from these mice. In addition, we have also assessed the CPAP-deficient mice for their susceptibility towards spontaneous and induced tumors. Through my investigation, we seek to deepen our understanding of CPAP's role as a tumor suppressor and its broader implications for cellular health.

Rights

Copyright is held by the author. All rights reserved.

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Available for download on Sunday, April 12, 2026

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