Role of Estrogen Receptor Target Genes in Breast Cancer.

Abstract

Breast cancer requires estrogen for its initiation and maintenance before progressing into a more aggressive stage. We proposed to study the role of estrogen receptor (ER) target genes in the promotion of breast cancer. To achieve this goal we generated a regulable repressor KEDPK to directly turn-off the expression of ER target genes. The KEDPK contains an ER-DBD that recognizes the ERE elements of ER target genes, a KRAB repressive domain which can silence target genes when tethered to the promoter region and a mutated PR-LED which responds only to exogenous ligand. The KEDPK shows dose- dependent inhibition of ER target genes in transient transfections. The inhibitory activity of KEDPK is under the control of its ligand RU486 and is specific to ER target genes. Currently we have devoted our effort to generate stable cell lines expressing KEDPK and determine its ability to suppress the endogenous ER target genes. The success of developing these repressors will allow us to study the role of ER target genes in breast cancer progression. Results obtained in these studies will be highly relevant to efforts in optimization of current hormone therapy and gene therapy for breast cancer.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA369282

Entities

People

  • Zhi-qing Na

Organizations

  • Baylor College of Medicine

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alkenes
  • Animals
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cell Line
  • Cells
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Estrogens
  • Gene Expression
  • Hormones
  • Inhibition
  • Laboratory Animals
  • Mammary Glands
  • Materials
  • Neoplasms
  • Recombinant Dna
  • Therapy
  • Transfection

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Breast cancer cell signaling and growth regulation.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology