The Role of the Novel Nuclear Tyrosine Kinase, RAK, in Breast Cancer Biology (TR950012)
Abstract
The research supported by this grant is intended to evaluate Rak mRNA expression in both tumor tissue and breast cancer cells and to determine whether inhibiting RAK is a feasible approach to breast cancer therapy. To accomplish this goal two different assays of gene expression have been devised. The first method is a traditional competitive RT-PCR system in which a homologous competitor RNA is used as a standard. The second method involves the use of an electrochemical biosensor being developed in our lab. The biosensor is designed to detect the abstraction of electrons from guanine bases in surface immobilized target RNA's or RT-PCR products. This report describes the development of a rapid electrochemical method that has detected Rak RT-PCR products. Preliminary characterization of this system has determined the sensitivity limit of this system to be 60 amol/sq mm of electrode. In addition, results from competitive RT-PCR experiments on Rak mRNA have revealed that RAK is expressed in BT-474 cells at a level of roughly 100 zmol/micrograms total RNA.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA377141
Entities
People
- Holden H. Thorp
- Paul M. Armistead
Organizations
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill