Molecular Mechanisms of Dietary Fatty Acids on Breast Cancer Growth and Development
Abstract
The link between diet and breast cancer has been long postulated and recently, extensively investigated. Identifying a molecular mechanism linking diet and breast cancer, however, has remained elusive. Recently, we identified an isoform of the cellular receptor called the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) in several human breast cancer cell lines. Activation of PPAR can alternatively lead to tumor induction or differentiation into a more benign state, depending on the tissue and the isoform expressed. Activators of this receptor are a group of structurally diverse compounds that include the fibrate class of hypolipidemic drugs, phthalate plasticizers and herbicides. Recently, it has been shown that this receptor is capable of binding and being activated directly by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). We have demonstrated that human breast cancer cell lines express PPAR(y)l and that individual fatty acids are capable of functioning as selective agonist or antagonist of PPAR action. Furthermore, we present evidence that the signal transduction of PPAR can be mediated by the presence of the estrogen receptor. Finally, we have verified the fidelity of our transcriptional reporter system using antisense expression vectors in transient transfection analysis. These studies may lead to better understanding of the risk of specific dietary components. The data presented in this report make it clear that fatty acids can indeed function as hormones and could lead to important information regarding dietary guidelines and could be of significant therapeutic value. The implications of these studies could have a profound impact on both prevention and management of this devastating disease.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA385909
Entities
People
- Michael W. Kilgore
Organizations
- Clemson University