Abstract: Plakophilin 3 (PKP3) is a desmosomal plaque protein whose loss leads to an increase in invasion, tumor formation, metastasis and radio-resistance 1-3. Further experiments demonstrated that the levels of lipocalin 2 (LCN2) were increased upon PKP3 loss and was required for the increase in tumor formation 4. We further demonstrated that the increase in LCN2 expression is required for the ability of the PKP3 knockdown clones to be resistant to γ-radiation, 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and doxorubicin, but not to paclitaxel. An analysis of the PKP3 knockdown cells post radiation demonstrates that loss of PKP3 leads to an increase in autophagy and a decrease in reactive oxygen species suggesting that one mechanism by which PKP3 may promote tumor progression is by promoting an increase in resistance to oxidative stress and the resultant DNA damage resulting from oxidative stress and that LCN2 might serve as a potential therapeutic target in radio and chemo resistant tumors.

During the production of Black Soldier Fly Larvae, significant volumes of larvae husks are produced and currently exist as a waste product. They have the potential to be utilised as a source for animal feed, but the presence of chitin makes the material difficult to digest. By removing the chitin, the remaining product has a potential value in this area as well as producing chitin as a feedstock for biological applications due to its biocompatibility and non-toxic nature. This seminar details the initial work on the project, looking at the environmental effect of processing the waste compared to existing routes (i.e. landfill, incineration etc.) and presents a brief economic analysis of the potential products. Some potential routes for processing will be discussed as well as highlighting the next steps for the project and possible areas for future collaboration across campus.

Please email stuart.coles@warwick.ac.uk to confirm attendance.