Harnessing Altered Choline Metabolism To Hinder Chemoresistance And Aggressiveness Of Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer is a highly lethal disease difficult to diagnose and treat. We contributed in defining the cholinic phenotype, as a new ovarian cancer hallmark characterized by increased intracellular phosphocholine (PCho) content sustained by increased activity/expression of Choline kinase alpha (Chokα/CHKA).  

We hypothesize that the cholinic phenotype fosters OC cells aggressiveness and survival by maintaining phospholipids’ homeostasis, affecting anti-oxidant defense and membrane properties thus ultimately favoring peritoneal dissemination. Aim of this project is to assess Chokα druggability and the contribution of the cholinic phenotype in the pro-tumorigenic niche.