Induction of Mammary Cancer by Activated Akt
Abstract
Cancer is thought to be a result of both uncontrolled cell proliferation and the failure of cells to undergo apoptosis. Akt is a serine/threonine protein kinase that has been shown to mediate cell survival. Akt is activated by a number of growth factors involved in mammary gland development. Our initial studies suggest that the hormone prolactin, which is involved in mammary gland development, can induce activation of Akt. Studies in this update demonstrate that prolactin may induce Akt activation in the prolactin-dependent cell line, Nb2, via src-like kinases, the adapter protein Cbl, and PI3K. The primary goal of this grant is to examine the potential roles of Akt in the mammary gland and in inducing mammary cancer. Examination of transgenic mice that express a constitutively active form of Akt reveals that Akt may suppress apoptosis in mammary epithelial cells and, in addition, may be involved in milk lipid synthesis during lactation. In addition, the expression of this transgene in the mammary gland may induce a preneoplastic state in the mammary gland in which the mammary gland may be more susceptible to tumor development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA396477
Entities
People
- Kathryn L Schwertfeger
- Steven P. Anderson
Organizations
- University of Colorado Health