Date Presented

Spring 5-6-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Biomedical Science

First Advisor

Dr. Allison Jablonski

Second Advisor

Dr. Nancy Cowden

Third Advisor

Dr. Kevin Peterson

Abstract

The second most common cancer in men is prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is traditionally diagnosed by a digital rectal exam. Blood tests can also be used to test for PSA (prostate-specific antigen). These two methods can be used together but can sometimes provide either false negative or false positive results. A new method of testing for prostate cancer could prove to be beneficial. Previous studies have shown that active HERV sequences have been identified in some cancers, including prostate cancer. We hypothesize that the presence of active HERV in prostate cancer lines is significant. In this study, rabbit polyclonal antibodies and Western blotting were used to assay for the presence of HERV protein products after 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine was used to amplify transcripts of prostate cancer-specific genes. HERV was supported by this study to be active in PC-3 cells but it was found that RPMI with 10% fetal bovine serum is the best media to grow PC-3 cells. It was also found that DMSO may affect PC-3 cells and the effectiveness of treatment.

Additional Files
DS, Digital Showcase.pdf (211 kB)
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