Molecular Markers for Breast Cancer Susceptibility.
Abstract
This proposal is based upon the hypothesis that the protective effects of an early pregnancy and lactation on the incidence of breast cancer result from estrogen (E)- and progesterone (P)-induced differentiation and the resultant loss of cells susceptible to carcinogenesis. These effects of E and P are mediated by the induction of specific growth factors that act via autocrine and paracrine mechanisms to influence terminal duct (TD) and terminal end bud (TEB) growth and differentiation. These rapidly proliferating cells are the most susceptible to neoplastic transformation. The TEB is a dynamic structure regulated by a balance of proliferation and apoptosis. The initial objective of this grant is to identify molecular markers for TEB and TD cells in order to follow their fate during mammary development and carcinogenesis. Thus far, 14 clones isolated from the TEB DD-PCR fraction have been sequenced. Three clones of unknown identity are preferentially expressed in the TEB fraction. Antibodies to two other clones encoding p190-B and adrenomedullin are being used to localize and study their function. Procedures have been developed to isolate nuclear matrix proteins from the TEB and preliminary 2D PAGE analysis has identified several unique proteins in this fraction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA320401
Entities
People
- Jeffrey M. Rosen
Organizations
- Baylor College of Medicine