The Identification of Novel Ligands for Cell Surface Receptors
Abstract
In cancer cells, growth factor independence is correlated with overexpression of receptors such as erbB2 in breast cancers. Potential links between tumor-associated overexpression of erbB2 and reduced survival of primary breast cancer patients with metastatic axillary lymph node involvement exist. Hence, growth receptors such as erbB2 make attractive therapeutic targets. We are selectively modifying the physiology of the budding yeast S. Cerevisiae to speed the identification and study of ligand/receptor interactions - in particular that of erbB2. In brief, we are exploiting the biological process of protein folding in the ER in a completely innovative way so as to achieve these goals. We are taking advantage of this to design a system to search for novel ligands of mammalian receptors, in particular for erbB2. In addition, we are developing methods to identify peptide aptamers that can act as artificial ligands or inhibitors or erbB2 as well as other relevant molecular targets.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA382512
Entities
People
- Pamela Silver
Organizations
- Dana–Farber Cancer Institute