Mechanisms through which Rat Mammary Gland Carcinogenesis is Preferentially Initiated by H-Ras over K-Ras Signaling Pathways

Abstract

This research distinguishes mechanisms through which activated Ras initiates rat mammary gland carcinogenesis. The initial experiment expressing H-Ras and K-Ras chimeric proteins in rat mammary gland (Aim IA) supports the hypothesis of Aim 1; (the difference in rat mammary gland carcinogenesis results from differences in the last 20 amino acids of H-Ras and K-Ras). However, early results of the repeat experiment are beginning to weaken the hypothesis; it is still to soon to tell. Aim 2A, expressing individual Ras effector loop mutants (ELM's), which target particular Ras effectors, substantially weakens the hypothesis of Aim 2; (No individual Ras effector will initiate transformation, rather multiple effectors must synergise) Each of the Ras ELM's (G37 activates RalGDS, E38 activates Raf, and C40 activates PI3K), individually causes tumors. The results of Aim lB, expression of Raf activated by fusion with Ras membrane localization signals (Raf-Caax), contrast surprisingly with results from Aim 2A. None of the forms of Raf tested resulted in a single tumor, yet E38-Ras, which activates Raf, is very tumorgenic. These results suggest Raf-Caax is defective for in situ tumor formation, or that E38 Ras is activating an additional effector pathway(s).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA383193

Entities

People

  • Daniel R. Mcfarlin

Organizations

  • University of Wisconsin–Madison

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Acids
  • Amino Acids
  • Biomedical Research
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Contrast
  • Cultured Cells
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Glands
  • Laboratory Animals
  • Mammary Glands
  • Materials
  • Membranes
  • Neoplasms
  • Proteins
  • Recombinant Dna

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular Biology and Genetics