Cell Cycle Regulation by TGFBeta Signaling in C. Elegans
Abstract
This project aimed to identify new genes that connect TGF beta with cell cycle control. Most breast cancers have altered responses to TGF beta and learning more about how TGF beta controls cell cycle progression is an important avenue for future therapies. Using C. elegans as a model system, we have induced cell cycle arrest using mutations in TCF beta that promote deuer formation. Using a rnr::gfp reporter for cell cycle progression, we have undertaken a genetic screen to find mutations that alleviate the cell cycle repression. In complementary studies, we have used DNA microarrays to profile mRNAs from animals entering the TGF beta-induced dauer phase. Analysis of this data indicates that many known cell cycle regulators have altered expression profiles, as expected. We are mining the microarray data for new and novel genes whose expression profiles mimic those of the known cell cycle regulators. One gene that was found to be down regulated in these experimental conditions is a homolog of down regulated in metastasis (DRIM) . DRIM was originally discovered as a gene whose expression changes in breast cancer cells that metastasis to lung cancers. Our data shows that DRIM is a likely downstream target of TGF beta signaling and may be necessary to carry out its growth regulatory effects. Further studies will be necessary to explore DRIM as a possible therapeutic agent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA408747
Entities
People
- Richard W. Padgett
Organizations
- Rutgers University–New Brunswick