Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) as a Novel Molecular Target in Breast Cancer
Abstract
High levels of Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) mRNA in breast tumors have been linked with poor prognosis for breast cancer patients. However, the function of WT1 protein in breast cancer was not known. We reported the expression of WT1 protein in 9 out of 10 human breast cancer cell lines. We observed that the levels of WTl protein correlated with the proliferation of breast cancer cells. When the proliferation of breast cancer cells was stimulated by 17beta-estradiol, WT1 protein expression increased. But when the proliferation of breast cancer cells was inhibited by tamoxifen or all-trans retinoic acid, WTl protein expression decreased. To determine whether WT1 regulates breast cancer cell proliferation, antisense oligodeoxynucleotides specific for the translation initiation site of the WTl mRNA were used to inhibit the expression of WT1 protein. We demonstrated that WT1 protein is vital to the proliferation of breast cancer cells since downregulation of WT1 protein expression led to breast cancer growth inhibition. WT1 protein may be used as a novel therapeutic target in the fight against breast cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA415770
Entities
People
- Ana M. Tari
Organizations
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center