Keywords

Prostasin; CAM Assay; Angiogenesis; Cancer

Abstract

Prostasin, also known as PRSS8 or CAP1, is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored extracellular serine protease involved in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Prostasin expression is observed during key phases of trophoblast invasion and placental development, critical steps in embryo implantation in Rhesus monkeys. This suggests a role for prostasin in extracellular matrix remodeling and tissue invasion, both essential for a healthy pregnancy. Moreover, prostasin appears vital for development as studies in mice show that a germline knockout of the gene leads to significant placental defects and eventual embryonic death, highlighting its importance in vascular and structural development within the placenta.

Building on these developmental roles, this study investigates prostasin’s influence on angiogenesis using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model to observe blood vessel formation and maturation in a controlled embryonic environment. By using the wild-type human prostasin and its functional variants in the CAM model, we will explore the mechanisms by which prostasin modulates the angiogenic pathways and vascular remodeling, contributing to a deeper understanding of its role in the embryonic vascular development.

Thesis Completion Year

2025

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Chai, Karl

College

College of Medicine

Department

Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences

Thesis Discipline

Cancer Research

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Rights Statement

In Copyright