Characterization of Tubulin Isoforms in Breast Cancer
Abstract
Tubulin, the major protein of microtubules, the cytoskeletal structures that mediate cell division, is the target for the action of several anti-cancer drugs which are routinely used for cancer chemotherapy. Different isoforms of tubulin are expressed differently in tissues, which makes each tissue unique with respect to its composition of tubulin isoforms. Tubulin also undergoes various post-translational modifications in vivo. The purpose of this proposal is to characterize the tubulin isoforms and their post- translational modifications in breast cancer cell lines. These studies may identify cancer-specific modifications in tubulin isoforms which could be used as prognostic markers for the detection of breast cancer. We have prepared a monoclonal antibody that can recognize the major a-tubulin in the breast cancer cells. Results of immunoblotting with a monoclonal antibody specific for beta(II) tubulin isoform show that beta(II) tubulin, which is the major isoform in the brain, is absent in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Preliminary studies with the antitumor drugs colchicine, podophyllotoxin, paclitaxel, vinblastine and maytansine show that maytansine is the most potent followed by paclitaxel and podophyllotoxin. Future studies will help identify breast cancer-specific drugs and possibly may lay the platform for designing drugs specific for breast cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA381325
Entities
People
- Asok Banerjee
Organizations
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio