Function of a Novel Signal Transduction Adapter Molecule in Mammary Epithelia
Abstract
A significant fraction of breast cancer cell lines and primary tumors exhibit elevated Src tyrosine kinase activity. The mechanism(s) by which Src kinases become activated is not well understood. In some cases, these enzymes form complexes with various growth factor receptors, leading to their activation. Conceivably other gene products may act in a similar manner. We have cloned a novel adapter-like signaling molecule from epithelial cells that we call SRCASM, for SRC Activating and Signaling Molecule. We hypothesize that elevated expression of SRCASM in mammary epithelia may result in increased Src activation, leading to hyperplasia or transformation. This will be studied by: (1) generation of transgenic mice expressing Srcasm in mammary epithelia. Mice will be monitored for changes in mammary gland morphogenesis as well as tumor development; (2) analyze mammary carcinoma cell lines and primary tumor samples to determine whether specific subset of tumors have elevated levels of Srcasm. The relative expression levels will be correlated with patient outcome or metastatic phenotype to determine whether monitoring Srcasm expression has any predictive value. Together these studies should provide insight into the function of Srcasm in mammary gland biology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA418000
Entities
People
- Paul L. Stein
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania