The Role of Nuclear Beta II-Tubulin in Breast Cancer Cells
Abstract
The research is based on our finding that many cancers, including breast cancers, contain the beta II isotype of tubulin in their cell nuclei. Our overall goal is to elucidate the function of nuclear beta II-tubulin. We have begun by testing the hypothesis that the kinetochores of microtubules have a preferential interaction with beta II. We are also exploring alternate hypotheses and defining the tubulin isotypes in breast cancer cells. We have found that these cells contain the beta I, beta(sub II), beta III and beta IVb isotypes. The beta II isotype is located preferentially in the nucleoli of breast cancer cells. The beta IVb isotype which, in other cells, interacts with actin, appears to do so less in breast cancer cells. The beta I isotype regulates the actin-tubulin interaction in these cells. The beta III isotype appears to protect the microtubules in breast cancer cells from oxidative damage. Breast cancer cells cause nearby normal cells to develop nuclear beta II. This latter finding could shed light on the function of nuclear beta II and also be useful in the diagnosis of breast cancer. We are currently pursuing these various avenues to elucidate the physiological function of nuclear beta II in breast cancer cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA405620
Entities
People
- Richard F. Luduena
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin