Exploiting BCL-2 Overexpression in the Chemotherapy of Breast Cancer

Abstract

We have previously demonstrated the potentiation of apoptosis by overexpression of bcl-2 in pheochromocytoma cells in culture. Others have shown that estrogen treatment increases the expression of bcl-2 in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. We have combined these findings in our hypothesis that estrogen treatment will result in increased bcl-2 expression and consequent increased susceptibility to neocarzinostatin-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Using both native MCF-7 lines and transfectants thereof, we have demonstrated the overexpression of bcl-2 in response to estrogen treatment. However, contrary to our expectations, overexpression of bcl-2 in these cells does not lead to enhancement of apoptosis induced by neocarzinostatin. Preliminary studies in our laboratory suggest that this deviation from prediction results from a difference in glutathione handling between breast cancer and neural cells.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA350950

Entities

People

  • Nina F. Schor

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acids
  • Alkenes
  • Apoptosis
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Chemotherapy
  • Cultured Cells
  • Estrogens
  • Health Services
  • Neoplasms
  • Tumor Cell Line

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Cellular and Molecular Pathways of Apoptosis.
  • Oncology (Cancer Research).
  • Software Engineering