Leptin Regulation of Mammary Cell Growth
Abstract
The risk of developing breast cancer rises with obesity, however the cause of this phenomenon is unknown. An intriguing candidate is leptin, a protein produced almost exclusively by adipocytes, a prominent stromal component in mammary tissue. The studies of this proposal were designed to test the hypothesis that the interaction of leptin with its receptor regulates normal and pathologic mammary epithelial cell proliferation and/or differentiation. As part of my training, I have demonstrated that leptin prevents growth factor induced cellular proliferation and DNA synthesis. I hypothesize that leptin may force mammary epithelial cells from a proliferation to a differentiation pathway. However, the observed responses were small and difficult to analyze. This necessitated the development of an in vitro culture system that would more accurately determine the functional consequences of leptin action through the leptin receptors. The culture of HC11 mammary epithelial cells on a collagen matrix induces the expression of leptin receptor long mRNA. However, upon addition of insulin/epidermal growth factor this expression is lost. More work is necessary to refine this system to accurately portray the consequences of leptin effects on mammary epithelial cells and is currently in progress. Complementing my research training has been my participation in meetings and manuscript/grant submissions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA385420
Entities
People
- Craig Baumrucker
- Gina Pighetti
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University