Homebox Genes Mediates the Biological Functions of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in Human Breast Epithelial Cells
Abstract
Homeobox genes are transcriptional transregulators that control the expression of multiple genes responsible for embryogenesis, morphogenesis, and cell differentiation. The fact that altered expression and/or mutations of homeogenes have been found in human malignancies, such as leukemias and solid tumors in lung, stomach, colon, kidney, testis and breast, indicates that these genes may constitute a new class of protooncogenes. The expression of homeogenes in normal human breast tissues and their alteration in breast cancer, in particular, suggest that these genes may play a role in the normal development and physiology of the breast. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has been found to be an efficacious physiological protector in rats against the initiation and progression of mammary tumors induced by carcinogen, accompanied by the induction of cellular differentiation and expression of the a and 3 forms of inhibins in mammary gland in vivo and in vitro. As inhibins are activated by hOG in mammary tissue, it is likely that hOG, homeogenes, and inhibins are connected to one another in a common pathway controlling cellular differentiation. We hypothesize that hCG may induce cellular differentiation, through activating and/or maintaining the normal expression of homeogenes that in turn promote the expression of genes responsible for differentiation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA386475
Entities
People
- Jose Russo
Organizations
- Fox Chase Cancer Center