Undergraduate Training in Mammary Gland Biology and Breast Cancer

Abstract

This report describes the second year of the BCRT undergraduate research training program in breast cancer. The program provides undergraduate trainees with exposure to areas of breast cancer research that focus on the role of microenvironment in mammary gland biology and neoplasia development. Trainees benefit from investigating issues at the forefront of breast cancer research: the intersection of hormones, growth factors, and extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling and remodeling during mammary gland morphogenesis, differentiation, and carcinogenesis. Summaries of the following research projects are provided: Effects of Irradiated Stroma on Tumorigenesis of p53 null Mouse Mammary Epithelium, Identification of Genes Regulated by Transcription Factor IIs in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Treated with Hydrogen Peroxide, Molecular Determinants of Epimorphin Branching Morphogenesis, Control of Chromosomal DNA Structure by Microenvironmental Cues, Mechanochemical Signaling for beta-Casein Expression, The Differential Expression of Double-stranded RNA-dependent Protein Kinase (PKR) and p53 Apoptosis Effector Related to PMP-22 (PERP) in Estrogen Protected vs. Unprotected Lewis Rats, and Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERalpha) and its Regulation by the Extracellular Matrix (ECM). Key research accomplishments: identified the effects of extracellular matrix molecules on chromosomal DNA structure; identified ROS responsive genes controlled by transcription factor IIs; identified the activity domain of epimorphin; examined estrogen administration and apoptosis protection during metestrous stage of the estrous cycle; used microarray techniques to profile a human breast cancer progression system; explored the relationships between physical alteration of mammary epithelial cell morphology and cell differentiation; demonstrated that human fibroblasts show an increased p53 response to decreased TGFbeta levels; and examined the effects of microenvironment on estrogen receptor expression.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA438145

Entities

People

  • Mina Bissell

Organizations

  • University of California, Berkeley

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biological Factors
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetics
  • Neoplasms
  • Peptide Growth Factors
  • Peptides
  • Proteins
  • Three Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Breast cancer cell signaling and growth regulation.
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Research Science/Academic Research