Utilization of a novel genetically engineered mouse model to elucidate the roles of the extracellular matrix in epithelioid hemangioendothelioma progression

This Project Grant award of $491,975 from the Department of the Army Medical Command through its Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) will fund research into elucidating the roles of the extracellular matrix in epithelioid hemangioendothelioma progression. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation will utilize a novel genetically engineered mouse model to complete the aims of the project from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2023. Albany Medical College will aid in several aspects of the proposed work, including completing experiments using a transplantable NIH3T3 tumor model to assess CTGF expression and test if its knockdown or overexpression can drive tumor growth. The Lamar Laboratory will also perform studies testing therapeutic compounds that target the CTGF-MAPK signaling cascade and provide tissue samples to the Rubin Laboratory for complementary analyses. The award will leverage specialized expertise across organizations to advance understanding of extracellular matrix involvement in a rare cancer, consistent with the program's goals of supporting innovative biomedical research with military and civilian health applications.