Date of Award

8-2018

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biology

Program

Biology (MS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Robert Belton

Abstract

Unlike normal cells, cancer cells can grow in low oxygen (hypoxic) environments. Changes in relative oxygen concentration can alter gene expression in tumors to allow for their selective growth. The result of such changes allows the tumor to adapt its cellular metabolism and promote tumor progression. Most notably, hypoxic conditions induce expression of the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). HIF-1 is thought to directly affect glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression levels in hypoxic conditions. This study sought to determine the relationship between HIF-1 and GLUT1 expression levels within normoxic and hypoxic environments utilizing an in-vitro GBM model. The data accumulated in this study determined that hypoxia correlates with relative expression levels of hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) as well as GLUT1. HIF-1b and GLUT1 appear to have different expression levels in fibroblast cells than in GBM cells, solidifying that HIF-1b and GLUT1 are suitable targets for future GBM treatments.

Access Type

Open Access

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