The Role of Neuropilin in Breast Cancer Metastasis
Abstract
Our group recently characterized a novel autocrine survival pathway in breast carcinoma cells specifically mediated by binding of vascular endothelial growth factor to neuropilin-l (NPl). Because NPl promotes tumor cell survival, the goal of this proposal is to address the importance of NPl in breast cancer progression. Thus far, we have determined that the level of NPl does not increase in human tumors as a function of breast cancer progression. We have also demonstrated that the cytoplasmic domain of NPl is not necessary for either its survival function or its role as a chemotaxis inhibitor. Unfortunately, the use of RNA interference to reduce NPl expression. has proven to be unsuccessful in two independent breast carcinoma cell lines suggesting a critical role for NPl expression in the survival of these cells. To circumvent this problem and to allow for the study of NPl in the progression of metastatic breast cancer, our laboratory is currently generating cell lines that are inducible for the expression of NPl small- interfering oligonucleotides. The development of this system will enable us to address the Importance of NPl in metastasis following tumor formation in future studies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA427035
Entities
People
- Arthur M Mercurio
- Elizabeth A. Lipscomb
Organizations
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center