HER2 Regulation of Angiopoietin-2: A Mechanistic Factor in Metastasis
Abstract
This proposal focuses on two key steps in the metastatic pathway: angioinvasion and tumor cell transmigration across the endothelium. HER2 amplification is associated with early tumor dissemination, rapid tumor progression and increased invasiveness. The overall objective of this proposal is to determine if HER2 signaling-induced production of Angiopoletin-2 (Ang-2) in breast cancer cells imparts a metastatic advantage, and to determine if overexpression of HER2 in human breast cancer is linked to angiopoletin-2 expression. Specific aim #1 will determine if production of Ang-2 by the HER2 expressing cancer cells induces angioinvasion (by testing for microvessel dismantling) and transendothelial cell migration (by testing for endothelial cell retraction). Specific aim #2 will determine if Angiopoletin is co-expressed with HER2 in human breast cancers, and further to determine if angiopoletin-2 expression can be correlated to another member of the HER2 family (EGFR, HER3, or HER4). We will employ Laser Capture Microdissection to precisely select cancer cells for study. After selection, RT-PCR technology will be used to detect expression of the mRNAs of interest. The results of the experiments in this proposal will potentially lead to therapeutic interventions to block angiopoletin-2 from promoting tumor metastasis. These interventions may act synergistically with the Herneptin antibody blockade of HER2. Additionally, this data may assist in selecting which patients would benefit from Herceptin antibody therapy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA425178
Entities
People
- W. B. Carter
Organizations
- University of Maryland, Baltimore