Role of Tissue Transglutaminases in Breast Cancer
Abstract
Tumors require generation of new blood vessels to sustain their growth. Angiogenesis is the process through which tumors develop new blood vessels. The scope of my studies was to investigate the role of Tissue Transglutaminase (TG) in angiogenesis and tumor biology. I discovered that TG was a wound healing enzyme which was active and promoted angiogenesis during healing cascade. Continuing my work in tumors (murine mammary breast carcinoma) we found that was expressed as part of host response and limited the growth of tumors by initiating a fibrotic response against them. Also, the tumor cells transfected with TG had growth and metastasis inhibition and prolonged the survival of the mice. In addition, our work has established that hypoxia is not the critical inducing factor for angiogenesis and may perhaps play a more vital role in vascular regression. We faced considerable problems with the fibrin gel chambers and have since refined them and work is now in progress using them to dissect the mechanisms of TG's effect onangiogenesis and tumor biology. I also successfully defended my dissertation and was awarded PhD in June, 1999. I have been appointed Research Associate and am continuing the work outlined in the Defense Breast cancer grant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA376466
Entities
People
- Haroon Zishan
Organizations
- Duke University