Characterization of Syk in Breast Carcinoma Cells
Abstract
The long-term goal of our project is to understand how Syk functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. Syk is expressed in normal breast epithelia and benign breast cancer cells, but is lost from many highly malignant cells. Since, malignant breast cancer cells are characterized by a loss of cell-cell interactions and a corresponding increase in cell-matrix interactions, we hypothesized that Syk would play an important role in the regulation of cellular adhesion. The localization of Syk within breast epithelial cells was studied by the expression of a chimeric protein consisting of Syk fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (Syk-EGFP). The localization of Syk-EGFP as well as its activity varied depending on the growth properties of the cells as a function of the formation of adherens junctions between neighboring cells and of spreading on surfaces coated with ECM proteins. The expression of Syk modulated both the rate of formation of cell-cell contacts and the motility of breast cancer cells. These studies support a probable role for Syk in the regulation of cellular adhesion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA438171
Entities
People
- Robert L. Geahlen
Organizations
- Purdue University