A Normal Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition as a Model for Metastatic Onset
Abstract
Genes and signaling pathways implicated in EMT and the invasiveness of breast cancers include FGF, Notch and T-box and Ets family transcription factors. One goal of this research was to examine the relationship between Notch signaling and the Brachyury T-box transcription factor. Through cloning and characterization of this gene it was shown that Brachyury is not a target of Notch signaling and does not function in mesoderm formation, and therefore EMT. A second T-box family member implicated in breast cancer progression, Tbx2/3, was cloned and characterized. A polyclonal antibody was generated and functional assays performed to determine the role of Tbx2/3 during development and to link these observations to the tumorigenesis observed in breast cancer patients with amplifications of chromosome region 17q23 containing the Tbx2 locus. FGF signaling was also further examined during this funding period but the results of these studies were inconclusive. Functional characterization of Ets factors and subtractive screens aimed at identifying genes regulated by Ets and Tbx2/3 were initiated through a collaborative effort. This effort involves the generation of cDNA macroarrays to facilitate the easy identification and cloning of such genes after subtraction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA404659
Entities
People
- Jeffrey M. Gross
Organizations
- Duke University