Telomerase Induction of TGF(beta) Resistant Growth in Cultured Human Mammary Epithelial Cells
Abstract
The failures to growth arrest in response to critically short telomeres or to TGFbeta are key derangements- thought -to contribute to the inappropriate cell growth that characterizes breast cancer progression. Our recent observations indicate that activation of telomerase activity may be directly involved in overcoming both inhibitory pathways in human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC). By exploring the common thread connecting telomerase expression and resistance to TGFBeta growth inhibition, it may be possible to unify two divergent areas of significance for breast cancer development and treatment We have begun to dissect the complex mechanisms responsible for these changes in expectation that such knowledge may enable us to prevent or reverse them. We have found that in addition to abrogation of TGFBETA-mediated growth arrest, high telomerase expression is also able to partially interfere with growth arrest due to blockage of EGF receptor signal transduction. The PI3K pathway appears to be necessary for this effect, and may either interact cooperatively with a telomerase influenced pathway or may act downstream of telomerase. We have examined several molecules involved in cell cycle regulation, and are presently exploring a promising new lead suggesting that telomerase may exert its effects indirectly through a p53-dependent pathway.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA411258
Entities
People
- Paul Yaswen
Organizations
- University of California, Berkeley