Role of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Autocrine Loop in Growth and Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Abstract
Recent evidence has shown that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is upregulated in human breast cancer, and that this high level of expression is a reliable indicator of recurrence and of poor overall survival of breast cancer patients. We have recently demonstrated co-expression of HGF and HGF receptor (Met) mRNA in invasive human breast carcinomas, as well as in regions of benign hyperplasia. In contrast, most nonmalignant epithelia express Met, but not HGF. These observations suggest that aberrant expression of HGF and subsequent establishment of an autocrine HGF loop could lead to abnormal growth, tumorigenesis and metastasis. The objectives of this grant are: (a) to assess expression of HGF and Met in nonmalignant and malignant breast epithelia, (b) to examine the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms of regulation of HGF mRNA and protein, and (c) to determine if upregulating, or downregulating HGF or Met expression affects the transformed and tumorigenic phenotypes of mammary carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA335957
Entities
People
- Bruce E. Elliott
Organizations
- Queen's University