SOLUBLE TAM RECEPTORS ARE POTENTIAL REGULATORS OF BLADDER CANCER PROGRESSION

Abstract

Bladder cancer cells such as RT112 and T24 cells contain TAM receptors called Axl, Tyro3 and Mer. These TAM receptors are cleaved and form soluble forms that can have impacts on signaling pathways. The hypothesis of this dissertation is that soluble TAMs initiate downstream signals that can be correlated with progression of bladder cancer. Therefore, RT112 and T24 bladder cancer cell lines were analyzed using cell culture, western blotting, and wound healing assay. These cells illustrate morphological changes and increased migration after addition of recombinant - TAM receptors. Moreover, the soluble TAM receptors are found in RT112 and T24 that are biologically active.