Kruppel-like factors in cell cycle control and cancer (2008-2009)

This proposal will test the hypothesis that a family of DNA-binding proteins, known as Kruppel-like factors, are important regulators of cell proliferation, and that their loss by mutation leads to development of cancer. We will test this hypothesis by generating mouse models of human cancer in which a subset of blood, gut or skin stem cells have engineered deletions of these putative tumour suppressor genes. We will also perform biochemical and genetic studies to determine how these genes work.