Beta-Catenin: A Potential Survival Marker of Breast Cancer Stem cells

Abstract

The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway has been extensively studied for its role in development and cancer. The canonical Wnt signal is transduced by beta-catenin, which acts as a transcriptional coactivator by associating with the Tcf/LEF family of transcription factors. It has been established that Wnt signaling regulates the self-renewal of norma! stem cells in both the hematopoietic systems and the epidermis. In addition, constitutive activation of the Wnt pathway has been implicated in a number of epithelial cancers, possibly by promoting stem cell survival. However, the importance of this pathway in breast stem/progenitor cells has not yet been The central hypothesis of this study is that the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway plays a critical role in mammary gland stem cell survival, and as a result promotes tumorigenesis and resistance to conventional therapies.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA437690

Entities

People

  • Jeffrey M. Rosen
  • Mercy S. Chen

Organizations

  • Baylor College of Medicine

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Breast Cancer
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Glands
  • Hematopoietic System
  • Mammary Glands
  • Medical Personnel
  • Neoplasms
  • Proteins
  • Resistance
  • Stem Cells
  • Survival
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transplants

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular Biology and Genetics

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology