Functional Analysis of BORIS, a Novel DNA Binding Protein
Abstract
BORIS (Brother of the Regulator of Imprinted Sites) is a paralogue of the gene encoding CTCF, a multifunctional DNA binding protein that utilizes different sets of zinc fingers to mediate distinct gene regulatory functions, including those involved in cell growth regulation. Unlike CTCF, the expression of BORIS is normally restricted to specific cells in testes (the only cells where CTCF is not expressed), where it may play a role in reprogramming the methylation pattern of male germ line DNA. To define the possible consequences of aberrant BORIS expression in human breast cancers, we are using a well- characterized human mammary epithelial cell (HMEC) culture model. Our preliminary results suggest that BORIS expression alone is not an efficient immortalizing factor, but that under certain conditions it may cooperate with other changes (e.g. p53 inactivation) to destabilize the genomes of the cells in which it is aberrantly expressed. Since BORIS-eGFP protein sometimes co-localizes with centrosomes, it is possible that BORIS expression can cause genomic instability through aberrant affects on centrosome duplication during the cell cycle. BORIS expression may also cause genomic instability through its significant effects on the regulation of several key early growth response genes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA435433
Entities
People
- Paul Yaswen
Organizations
- University of California, Berkeley