240 Thatcher Way, Amherst, MA 01003, US
About Us
Who We Are
How we collect samples
Mission Statement
The Canine Tumor Project researchers are in the process of creating canine mammary tumor cell lines. Through this, we hope to further develop protocols for tumor cell cultures. Furthermore, the project allows us to talk with experts and examine molecular properties of tumor cells in order to gain a better understanding of how genetics and
The Canine Tumor Project researchers are in the process of creating canine mammary tumor cell lines. Through this, we hope to further develop protocols for tumor cell cultures. Furthermore, the project allows us to talk with experts and examine molecular properties of tumor cells in order to gain a better understanding of how genetics and environmental risk factors contribute to the development of canine mammary tumors.
By establishing an expansive database of patient history and outcomes, we wish to refine treatment for mammary cancer.
We can predict the outcome of treatment and disease progression by conducting annual follow-ups with our canine patients and their owners. Mammary cancer is breast cancer in dogs and is very similar to breast cancer in humans. Any progression in this project may reflect that of human breast cancer.
Currently we are characterizing our samples by examining gene expression through PCR. With this better understanding of the type of cells we are growing, we intend to conduct DNA methylation experiments and behavioral assays. Through treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine demethylating our cell lines, we can examine if DNA methylation is causing the silencing of tumor supressor genes in these specific tumors.
Mission Statement
How we collect samples
Mission Statement
Our mission is to educate UMass students and the public about the progression and possible inhibition of mammary cancer. We aim to create cell lines and compare the expression of genes within mammary tumors and across these cell lines compared to their original intact tumor. The project will provide professional growth and a research community for veterinary clinics across the country.
How we collect samples
How we collect samples
How we collect samples
We have been contacting veterinary clinics near and far! If a clinic is interested we ship, or personally deliver collection kits including a sterile container of PBS, ice pack, and patient information sheet. We also include a pre-paid FedEx pak for the clinic to easily ship the samples back to us. It was great for us to find out we can
We have been contacting veterinary clinics near and far! If a clinic is interested we ship, or personally deliver collection kits including a sterile container of PBS, ice pack, and patient information sheet. We also include a pre-paid FedEx pak for the clinic to easily ship the samples back to us. It was great for us to find out we can still harvest viable cells from samples removed a day or two beforehand!
Worried about giving your pathologist margins? No problem! We just ask for a small section from the middle of the tumor so the margins are still intact.
This project has been a great way to teach undergraduate students cell culture and other laboratory skills. We appreciate any donation that you could supply!
Just remember that we ask for fresh, live tissue and not samples fixed in formalin or other fixatives.