Julie Ostrander Lab

The Ostrander Lab focuses on the on studying the scaffolding protein PELP1 in the context of breast cancer progression. Our recent studies have found that PELP1 signaling 1) promotes cell survival in the presence of tamoxifen, 2) enhances breast epithelial cell migration through upregulation inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and most recently 3) promotes CSC phenotypes in models of ER-positive breast cancer. We have identified a novel cytoplasmic interaction between PELP1 and SRC-3. The objective of our current research is to identify the molecular mechanisms associated with PELP1-induced BCSC phenotypes and therapy resistance.

Primary Research Interests

• Breast cancer research
• Luminal Breast cancer initiation and Progression
• Breast cancer prevention
• Steroid Receptor Coactivator proteins
• PELP1 (Proline, glutamic acid, and leucine rich protein 1)
• Steroid Receptor Coactivator 3 (SRC-3/AIB1)
• Breast Cancer Stem-like Cells