Characterization of a BETA-Catenin-Associated Kinase

Abstract

Beta-catenin is an important regulator of cell-cell adhesion and embryonic development that) associates with and regulates the function of the LEF/Tcf family of transcription factors. Mutations of Beta- catenin and the tumor suppressor gene APC occur in human cancers but it is not known if and by what mechanism increased Beta-catenin causes cellular transformation. This study demonstrates that modest over-expression of Beta-catenin in a normal epithelial cell results in cellular transformation. These cells form colonies in soft agar, survive in suspension, and continue to proliferate at high cell density and following Gamma-irradiation. Endogenous cytoplasmic 3-catenin levels and signaling activity were also found to oscillate during the cell cycle. Taken together, these data point to a role of Beta-catenin in the regulation of the Gi to S phase transition and suspension-induced apoptosis (anoikis). Additional results point to the important role played by two serine kinases (IKK and atypical PKC) in the normal phosphorylation and regulation of Beta-catenin signaling activity.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA375103

Entities

People

  • Stephen W. Byers

Organizations

  • Georgetown University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Apoptosis
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane Structures
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Colon Cancer
  • Enzymes
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Fibroblasts
  • Growth Factors
  • Neoplasms
  • Peptide Growth Factors
  • Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transitions

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Cellular and Molecular Pathways of Apoptosis.
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics