Identification of Junctionally-Transmitted Growth Inhibitors
Abstract
We have proposed the identification of junctionally transmitted growth control signals which we hypothesize to be responsible for the growth inhibition of tumor cells when in junctional communication with normal cells. We have genetically engineered human breast cancer cells to express connexin 43 under the control of a tetracycline-inducible promoter. When induced these cells regain junctional competence and their neoplastic potential is reduced in two important respects: one, when in communication with growth inhibited normal cells their proliferation is reduced; two, when these cells are cultured in suspension in soft agar, their colony formation is strongly reduced. Thus connexin 43 is acting as a tumor suppressor gene in these breast cancer cells. Increased junctional communication could thus lead to reduced progression of this disease. We have encountered significant problems in the molecular analysis of cells cultured in both situations. In co-culture, it is proving difficult to analyze one cell type without contamination by the second; in anchorage independent growth conditions, it is proving difficult to obtain sufficient cells for analysis without contamination with agarose. Both problems are being actively addressed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA403636
Entities
People
- John S. Bertram
Organizations
- University of Hawaiʻi System