Protein Kinases in Human Breast Carcinoma.
Abstract
This project focuses on the biology of the Rak protein tyrosine kinase in human breast cancer. Rak is a novel nuclear tyrosine that our group has identified in breast cancer tissues and cell lines that has structural homology to the Src tyrosine kinase, with SH2 and SH3 domains at its amino terminus. Rak appears to be a potent growth inhibitory gene in breast cancer, as in induction of expression in Rak breast cancer cells led to detachment from their substratum, and subsequent apoptosis as determined by TUNEL assays. We are currently developing an adenoviral system of Rak gene delivery to human breast cancer cells to further characterize this effect. During the past year, we have developed monoclonal antibodies against Rak which recognize the 54kDa Rak protein in breast cancer cells. Preliminary studies indicate that Rak is expressed in normal breast epithelium, and in a subset of human tumors. Further characterization of the expression of Rak in larger numbers of human breast tissues will be conducted to understand the biology of this kinase in breast cancer and determine its suitability as a therapeutic target.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA354779
Entities
People
- William G. Cane
Organizations
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill