Elizabeth Smith, PhD

Research Interests

Her research focuses on two basic questions related to ovarian cancer:  regulation of growth factor signaling in ovarian tumor development, and the etiology of ovarian cancer associated with menopause and reproductive risk factors. The Ras/MAPK molecular cascade is the principal signaling pathway for growth factors and other mitogens to induce cell proliferation.  In ovarian cancer, MAPK signaling is upregulated and mitogens readily induce MAPK induction of cell proliferation, and may be a hallmark of specific subtypes of ovarian tumors.  In normal primary ovarian epithelial cells, which are believed to be the precursors to most ovarian cancer, however, MAPK is activated but is restricted spatially from stimulating cell proliferation.  We are currently investigating mechanisms that limit and/or regulate MAPK cellular localization and activity.   

Secondly, we are examining factors that may affect the risk or prevention of ovarian cancer, which is the leading cause of death from a gynecologic malignancy among women in North America and the fifth most frequently occurring cancer among women. Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed in post-menopausal women, and age is the most important risk factor.  Reproductive factors such as parity and use of oral contraceptives, and perhaps cyclooxygenase inhibitors (such as aspirin), can reduce ovarian cancer risk.  The preventive effects are generally attributed to suppression of ovulation, but it is not known if these agents are most beneficial before or after menopause, though this is an important question, since women can reasonably expect to live one-third or more of their lives after their reproductive years.  Using the germ cell deficient Wv mouse, which mimics menopausal biology and develops epithelial lesions that resemble preneoplastic lesions in human ovaries, we are examining factors that prevent or reduce ovarian cancer risk.  The goal of the research is to formulate preventive strategies for ovarian cancer in post-menopausal women.

Awards & Recognition