A Role for the NF-kb/Rel Transcription Factors in Human Breast Cancer
Abstract
Human breast cancer is characterized by the altered expression of growth factors, growth factor receptors and kinases. Downstream effectors of these molecules are transcription factors which presumably control aberrant gene expression regulating cell growth. We are studying the potential role of the transcription factor NF-kB in human breast cancer. Our rationale is based on the observations that NF-kB is activated in several human breast cancer cell lines and that certain repetitive DNA elements known as VNTRs, which bind NF-kB, are associated with breast cancer. Our data indicate that NF-kB is required for oncogenic transformation and that this transcription factor protects tumor cells against oncogene-induced and cancer therapy-induced apoptosis. Analysis of human breast cancer tumors indicate that NF-kB subunits p50, p52 and c-Rel are up-regulated in the great majority of tumors as compared to normal adjacent tissue. We are currently exploring whether these NF-kB forms bind to the VNTR elements and contribute to altered gene expression controlled by these elements. Functional experiments are underway to determine if altered NF-kB activity is involved in the initiation and progression of human breast cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA332161
Entities
People
- Albert S Baldwin
Organizations
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill